A number of fatalities confirmed as emergency services respond to ‘very serious’ incident in Plymouth

There have been a “number of fatalities” in a “serious firearms incident” in Keyham, Plymouth, and “several” other casualties are receiving treatment, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

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

A local MP has said he is awaiting the “number of victims” in what is a “very grim day for our city and our community”.

The incident is “not terror related” and the suspect involved is not “on the run”, Plymouth MP Johnny Mercer has said.

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious and tragic incident in Plymouth.

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.”

Local Labour MP Luke Pollard said on Facebook: “Hello #Plymouth – there looks to be a very serious situation happening in Keyham.

“Please can everyone stay safe, stay indoors and follow police advice.

The Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP added: “I’ve spoken to some local residents and the police and the situation looks very serious indeed.

“Please avoid speculation and please do not share images of any victims. Please keep our community in your thoughts and prayers.”

He later tweeted: “Update: awaiting confirmation of number of victims but this looks like a very grim day for our city and our community.

“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. #keyham.”

Conservative Plymouth Moor View MP Johnny Mercer said on Twitter: “I am aware of a serious and tragic incident unfolding in Plymouth.

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

“I will post news when I have it.”

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.”

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.

— Priti Patel (@pritipatel) August 12, 2021