Britain
12 killed in Cumbria shooting spree
Twelve people have been killed and another 25 are in hospital after a gunman drove across Cumbria shooting victims in several different locations, before taking his own life.
Police said they were investigating 30 separate crime scenes after taxi driver Derrick Bird, 52, attacked another man in Whitehaven and then embarked upon an apparently random shooting spree in the area.
In a statement tonight, police confirmed that Bird shot 12 people before killing himself. They said another 25 people have been wounded, three of them critically.
The first shooting was reported at 10.35am in the port of Whitehaven. Other incidents followed in Egremont and Seascale as police warned the public to stay indoors and the hunt moved west.
A manhunt took place for three and a half hours as officers attempted to track down Bird as reports emerged of shootings in nearby locations.
Deputy chief constable Stuart Hyde said it was a "truly exceptional" incident. The prime minister, David Cameron, promised the government would do everything it could to support "shattered communities".
Police said a body found in a wooded area near the Lake District village of Boot was that of the prime suspect, Bird. Two guns were recovered. Hyde declined to comment on speculation that the first killing occurred last night, or that Bird had been motivated by an argument with other taxi drivers. "The circumstances and the gravity of this demands that we have a full and comprehensive investigation," he told reporters in Whitehaven.
He went on: "Our condolences go out to families and friends of those affected by the horrific incidents that unfolded today. These are local people and local police who knew the people killed and injured today.
"It's been a truly exceptional and challenging incident that Cumbria police has had to deal with today."
He added: "This has shocked the people of Cumbria and the country to the core."
Hyde asked for witnesses to contact the police, and said that a helpline had been set up on 0800 096 0095 for concerned relatives of those involved in the incident.
Earlier, police said those who were sheltering could now venture out, and thanked them for "their patience in incredibly difficult circumstances". They added: "Please be aware there are a number of crime scenes across the county and we would ask for people's patience whilst we conduct our investigations."
(Published by The Guardian – June 2, 2010)