[DM] Twelve people, including children, are dead after two gunmen armed with rifles opened fire at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon, targeting a Jewish holiday celebration.
Witnesses said two men stepped out of a vehicle on Campbell Parade, near Bondi Pavilion, and opened fire about 6.40pm on Sunday with footage showing blast after blast on the tourist strip. Some witnesses report more than 30 shots.
Video and photos taken by a Daily Mail photographer show a gunman opening fire from an elevated bridge using a large rifle.
A festival, Chanukah by the Sea, advertised as a night of family fun, was taking place, with children attending the event when the gunmen opened fire.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said 12 people were killed and was targeted at the event attendees during a press conference late on Sunday night.
'This attack was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community on the first day of Channukah,' he said.
Up to 25 injured people, including two police officers, have been taken to various hospitals in Sydney.
One of the gunmen who opened fire has been confirmed as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west.
Akram’s home in Bonnyrigg is currently being raided by police. His family have owned the property for a year.
Akram was shot, arrested and remains in custody, where he is being treated by emergency services.
The second gunman has been shot dead.
NSW Police are urging people to avoid the area, with an exclusion zone in place.
It was also confirmed late on Sunday evening that a number of suspicious items had been found in the vicinity of the incident, including an improvised explosive device.
The items are being examined by specialist officers.
Police are also believed to be raiding an address in Bonnyrigg in Sydney's west following the attack.
A black and white flag could be seen abandoned on the bonnet of a silver Honda at the scene. It is unknown what the flag means. |