Plymouth shooting: Several dead after 'serious firearms incident' in Biddick Drive in Keyham area of Plymouth

A “serious and tragic” incident in Plymouth involving several victims is “not terror related”, an MP for the city has said.

The suspect involved is not “on the run” Johnny Mercer, MP for Plymouth, Moor View, said as he urged the public to remain calm.

Emergency services are at the scene in Keyham.

Devon and Cornwall Police said in a statement: “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].

Biddick Drive in the Keyham area of Plymouth (photo: Google).Biddick Drive in the Keyham area of Plymouth (photo: Google).
Biddick Drive in the Keyham area of Plymouth (photo: Google).
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“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.”

Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said he was awaiting confirmation of the number of victims, saying the situation looked like “a very grim day for our city and our community”.

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Mr Mercer tweeted: “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.”

In an earlier tweet, Mr Mercer said he was “aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth.”

He added: “Please obey all instructions from the police and do not post rumour or speculation on social media.”

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The South Western Ambulance Service said it was called at just after 6pm on Thursday to Keyham.

The ambulance service tweeted: “We responded to the incident with a significant number of resources, including Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART), multiple ambulances, air ambulances, multiple doctors and senior paramedics.

“We will provide an update here in due course.”

Mr Pollard tweeted: “Really worrying news coming out of Keyham”, adding: “Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.”

In a second tweet, he said: “Update: awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community.

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“Please can I ask that you think of the families and our community and not share any images or videos of any of the victims.”

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.”