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How the deadly shooting in Krakow unfolded

Video authenticated by BBC Verify shows the moment gunshots rang out in Krakow's main market square.

How the deadly shooting in Krakow unfolded

In Poland's second-largest city, Krakow, a gunman inspired by far-right ideology killed six people and injured over a dozen others on Saturday afternoon. The attacker drove onto Main Market Square, a popular tourist attraction, and fired randomly at people. Four women and two men, including a British national, lost their lives. Among the 16 injured were five foreigners from Austria, Germany, Portugal, Russia, and Britain.

When police searched the suspect's home, 125 miles away, they found three more bodies. Police reported that the attacker, a 25-year-old Polish man with military-style weapons and attire, was an ultra-nationalist who had been arrested and was in the hospital after surgery.

The attack took place in the historic center of Krakow, a popular tourist destination, around 15:00 local time. Footage showed the attacker's vehicle speeding through the city, people fleeing as gunfire rang out. Glass frontages of shops were shattered, and a tram was shot at during the assault, which lasted for about three minutes. The scene was chaotic, with overturned tables and scattered belongings left behind as people ran for safety.

Armed police pursued the attacker's car until it crashed, at which point they engaged him in a firefight. One police officer, Senior Constable Jakub Kulik, was fighting for his life, while another, Senior Constable Artur Morański, was expected to recover from a less serious injury. Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a period of mourning in Krakow until November 11.

The Interior Minister, Marcin Kierwiński, stated that the attacker held ultra-nationalist views and had been fascinated by far-right ideologies. The Foreign Office updated its travel advice, urging people in the area to follow local authorities' guidance.

Witnesses described the panic and confusion that ensued as the attack unfolded. Cezary, a 24-year-old Polish university student, had not initially realized the loud bangs were gunshots until he saw four bodies on the street. Caitlin Shasby, from Newcastle, UK, had heard the shooting from her hotel room and was told to take shelter as police barricaded the street.

The British Foreign Secretary, Ed Miliband, expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims, stating that the UK government mourned the loss of life in "appalling attack."

Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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