Unknown number of dead after gunman opens fire at Prague university sparking stampede
Staff at the university in Prague, Czech Republic, have been asked to lock themselves in their offices after shots were reportedly fired.
Shots rang out today at Jan Palach Square, Charles University’s Faculty of Philosophy in Prague, leaving ‘at least four dead and 20 injured’.
Staff and students the university in Prague, Czech Republic, were asked to lock themselves in rooms, and Czech police said the shooting killed an ‘unspecified number of people’.
Are you in Prague? Reach out to Metro Newsdesk with any information about the shooting: 020 3615 0000
Czech Police said: ‘The gunman has been eliminated. The entire building is currently being evacuated and there are several dead and dozens of injured.’
Students were seen cowering on a roof ledge to hide from the gunman, who appeared to be shooting with a rifle from the rooftop.
The City of Prague’s Medical Rescue Services said on Twitter: ‘We have confirmed units of the dead and a large number of injured. The spectrum of injuries is wide ranging from very serious to moderate to light.’
Video on social media also showed crowds running away as a gun shot echoed in the background, with others sprinting across a bridge while screaming.
Photos showed students with their hands on their heads, leaving the Faculty of Arts building – one photo appears to show a body bag.
Student Jakob Weizman shared a photo of his classroom door barricaded with desks and chairs.
The bridge terrified people were running across is Charles Bridge, one of the top tourist attractions in the city.
The President of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen, posted on X: ‘Shocked by the senseless violence of the shooting that claimed several lives today in Prague.
‘I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Czech people as a whole. We stand and mourn with you.’
Photos on local television showed people running away with their hands up from the main university building.
Filip Horky shared his experience on X: ‘Shots are fired at Staroměstská on the field. I lived well, I don’t want to die, but what can I do? Good luck to everyone in the building. We can hear him shooting…’
Mr Horky has confirmed to Metro.co.uk that he is now safe.
The British Embassy in Prague posted: ‘If you are in the vicinity of the Faculty of Arts in the centre of Prague, follow the advice of local authorities.
‘UK nationals in need of consular assistance can get in touch with the Embassy.’
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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