Police have confirmed the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Australia is being treated as a terrorist attack.
At least 12 people have died, with one gunman also killed, during celebrations on the first day of Hanukkah. A further 29 people have been taken to various hospitals around Sydney, including a child.
The other gunman is in serious condition. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed they will "make sure no stone is left unturned" in regards to a potential third gunman, adding police are investigating "thoroughly" of any other people linked to the shooting.
Premier Chris Minns said the attack was "designed to target Sydney's Jewish community".
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He said there will be a "significant investigation" led by counter-terrorism, adding: "The fact that it is the first day of Hannukah, the types of weapons... some of the other items we found at the scene - we have found the improvised explosive device in a car which is linked to the deceased offender," he explained when asked why the incident had been declared a terrorist attack."
Mr Lanyon confirmed a rescue bomb disposal unit is working on the vehicle that the device was found in.
Commissioner Lanyon also said police are "aware" of one of the gunmen, but "that does not mean there was any specific threat posed by that person".
Videos circulating online shows two men in black clothes crossing a bridge at the beach, appearing to fire shots
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One of the gunmen has died, while the other remains in a serious condition
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What should have been a "night of peace and joy" was "shattered" by a "horrifying, evil attack", he added.
There were more than 1,000 people in attendance of the event, Mr Lanyon confirmed, and they celebrated the Jewish holiday of Hannukah.
A festival, Chanukah by the Sea, had been advertised as a night of family fun, with children attending the event as the suspects opened fire.
Co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, Alex Ryvchin, said: "I think this was very deliberate and very targeted." He also said the incident occurred during the "family event".
NSW police were called to the area at around 6.47pm local time after reports of multiple people being shot. They told people near the scene to "take shelter".
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Hundreds could be seen fleeing the beach after the incident
|Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an "act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation."
He added that there is no place for this "vile act of violence and hate".
Videos circulating online show two men in black clothes crossing a bridge at the beach. People can be heard shouting expletives as shots are fired.
More remarkable footage online shows one individual tackle one of the shooters to the ground and taking his rifle from him, meanwhile the other shooter continued to fire at bystanders.
Eyewitnesses have reported up to 50 gunshots heard, describing the scene as "chaos" with "everyone just running crazy".
Remarkable footage online appears to show one individual tackling one of the gunman and taking the rifle
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The incident took place on a bridge near Bondi Beach
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Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said Australians were in "mourning" and that "hateful violence" had struck at the heart of the Bondi Beach community.
"The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the Prime Minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities," she said.
"This attack occurred as our Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration. This was a celebration of peace and hope for the future, severed by hate.
"My heart is with Australia’s Jewish community tonight, particularly those in the eastern suburbs of Sydney — people I know well."
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