Six dead following 'serious firearms incident' in Keyham in Plymouth - situation is 'contained'

Police maintain a cordon around the scene in Keyham, Plymouth.

Six people have died in a shooting in Plymouth - including the suspect.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed in the early hours of Friday morning (13 August) that three women, two men and another male - believed to be the offender - have died.

They also confirmed that all six died from gunshot wounds.

Earlier on Thursday evening, the police declared a critical incident and announced a serious firearms incident had taken place in Keyham.

They also said shortly after 9:20pm that the situation was 'contained'.

Officers have stressed that the incident is not terrorism-related.

In a statement, they said: "Police were called to a serious firearms incident in Biddick Drive, in the Keyham area of Plymouth at around 6.10pm today [Thursday 12 August].

Police have closed off roads but a local MP says nobody is on the run and people should "remain calm." Credit: ITV News West Country.

"Officers and ambulance staff attended the scene.

"Following attendance at the scene, two females and two males were deceased at the scene.

"A further male, believed to be the offender, was also deceased at the scene. All are believed to have died from gunshot wounds.

"Another female treated at the scene for gunshot wounds, died a short time later in hospital.

"All of the next of kin of the deceased have been located and informed by Devon & Cornwall Police officers.

"Devon & Cornwall Police would stress this is not a terrorism related incident.

"The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained."

Earlier in the evening, South Western Ambulance Service said that Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), 'multiple' ambulances, air ambulances, doctors and senior paramedics were in attendance.

Police dogs and officers are in Keyham to maintain the scene. Credit: BPM Media

Roads have been closed and people are being asked to avoid the area.

The police also issued a plea for the public "not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else."

Officers have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else involved with the shooting.

Updates as they happened:

  • 00:25

Police confirm that six people have died - including the suspect.

In a statement, the force said: "Two females and two males were deceased at the scene.

"A further male, believed to be the offender, was also deceased at the scene. All are believed to have died from gunshot wounds.

"Another female treated at the scene for gunshot wounds, died a short time later in hospital.

"All of the next of kin of the deceased have been located and informed by Devon & Cornwall Police officers.

"Devon & Cornwall Police would stress this is not a terrorism related incident."

The force also confirmed the scene was cordoned off and that they are not looking for anyone else in relation to the shooting.

  • 22:50

Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard has announced that two venues in Plymouth will be opening their doors to the community tomorrow at 9am.

In a Tweet, Luke announced: "Tomorrow from 9am I'm grateful to Ford Primary School and St Marks Church on Cambridge Road for agreeing to open their doors to the community.

"I'll be there with local councillors and Police. Open to all for a safe place for our community to come together #Keyham".

  • 22:40

Nearby residents said they are 'very much on edge' and could see events unfolding.

Tom Savill said: "We've barricaded the door and stuff and we've triple locked it."

Victoria Palider added: "We're very much on edge with it.

"To be honest, it's just horrible to think its pretty much just one road away from where everything has been happening because we could see from our first floor flat - from our kitchen window - the whole park.

Police have closed off roads but a local MP says nobody is on the run and people should "remain calm." Credit: ITV News West Country.

"We could see pretty much everything that's been happening.

"You could see the whole roads just covered in police vans and ambulances and then the helicopters that were all landing in one park."

Meanwhile a passer-by has spoken of the pain and hurt the people of Plymouth will feel.

Hannah Cutting said: "It's a family, it's not just the people that were lost or the person that did it. It's the whole ripple effect: there's friends, there's families, there's colleagues and if what some of the rumours that are being said are true, there's going to be a lot of people in a lot of pain.

"I can't quite imagine how a lot of people are going to deal with that here and I think it probably will knock a lot of the community in Plymouth quite hard."

21:59

Pictures from the scene earlier in and around Beddick Drive.

Forensic officers are present, alongside paramedics, doctors, and air ambulance crews. Credit: BPM Media
Police dogs were deployed to Keyham - though no suspects are on the run. Credit: BPM Media
The incident is not believed to be terror related. Credit: BPM Media

  • 21:50

Johnny Mercer MP has asked people not to share a video circulating online.

He tweeted: "It’s not hard: think if it was your mum/dad/brother/sister involved.Let’s see the best of our City tonight and think of the heroes in the emergency services dealing with it all and the families affected."

Pictures from the scene show firearms officers and police dogs.

Firearms officers are at Biddick Drive and the scene is "contained" according to Devon and Cornwall Police. Credit: BPM Media.
Police officers are in attendance, alongside senior paramedics, doctors, air ambulance and ambulance crews. Credit: BPM Media.

  • 21:40

Home secretary Priti Patel tweeted: "The incident in Plymouth is shocking and my thoughts are with those affected.

"I have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered my full support.

"I urge everyone to remain calm, follow police advice and allow our emergency services to get on with their jobs."

  • 21:25

Devon and Cornwall Police confirm a 'serious firearms incident' has taken place in Keyham.

In a statement, they said:

"Officers and ambulance staff attended.There have been a number of fatalities at the scene and several other casualties are receiving treatment.

"A critical incident has been declared.

"The area has been cordoned off and police believe the situation is contained.

"Road closures are in place so please avoid the area.

"We are appealing to the public not to speculate or share pictures of the scene on social media or anywhere else.We will provide more information on log number 768 of 12/08/21 as soon as we can."

  • 21:15

South Western Ambulance Service confirmed that Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), 'multiple' ambulances, air ambulances, doctors and senior paramedics at the scene.

Local MP Luke Pollard said it "looks to be a very serious situation happening in Keyham."

In a Facebook post, the MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: "Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.

In a Tweet, South Western Ambulance Service confirmed a serious incident is underway.

They said: "We were called at 18:12 to an ongoing incident in Plymouth."

Cornwall Air Ambulance also confirmed its attendance, saying: "Cornwall Air Ambulance is part of a multi-agency response this evening."

Local residents said they heard gunshots.

Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer has also spoken out, saying: "I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth.

"Please obey all instructions from the Police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media. I will post news when I have it."

Local people have claimed to have heard gun shots - but an MP for the area says the incident is not terror-related. Credit: ITV News West Country.

He has since confirmed: "The incident is not terror related, and neither is the suspect on the run in Plymouth.

"Remain calm. It is for the Police to confirm further details.

"Do not repost chatter or gossip; work with them. We have the best cops in the land."

Updates have now finished for the night.