Swedish police have confirmed that three people have been killed in a shooting in the city centre of Uppsala near Vaksala Square.
The incident is currently being investigated as a multiple homicide, and according to SVT, the suspect fled the scene on an electric scooter.
“We are well aware of how serious this is. The situation is extremely difficult,” said Swedish Justice Minister Gunnar Stromer, who described the incident as a “brutal act of violence”.
The police have launched an investigation as a so-called “special event”, and the area has been blocked off. Units with sniffer dogs and drones are participating in the investigation. According to police spokesman Magnus Klarin, several citizens reported loud gunshots, which triggered an emergency intervention.
Witnesses: We heard multiple shots
SVT journalists spoke to several witnesses who were near the crime scene.
“I heard shots and I knew immediately that it was an armed incident,” said Alexander Gridl, who lives nearby.
Police are currently working to identify the victims.
Train services temporarily suspended
As a precautionary measure, train services to and from Uppsala were temporarily suspended at around 5:30 p.m., but were restored around 6 p.m., according to the Swedish Transport Agency.
Government response
Justice Minister Gunnar Stromer said he was in constant contact with police and other security services. He stressed that the incident occurred as the city began celebrating the traditional Valborg holiday, adding:
“Three lives lost in the heart of Uppsala must not go unanswered. This violence requires a swift and decisive response from all relevant institutions.”
An investigation is underway.
