The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their support for Canada in the wake of a devastating school shooting that claimed nine lives.
Writing on social media, the royal couple stated: "We stand with all Canadians following this morning's appalling tragedy."
William and Catherine offered their sympathies to those affected, adding: "Our hearts are with the entire Tumbler Ridge community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss."
The statement also acknowledged those who helped during the attack.
The Prince and Princess of Wales have expressed their support for Canada in the wake of a devastating school shooting that claimed nine lives.
|PA
"We are so thankful for the courage shown by the students, staff, and emergency responders who acted with selflessness in the face of such violence. W & C," they wrote.
The attack unfolded on Tuesday at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School, a small institution serving approximately 160 pupils aged between Grades 7 and 12 in the remote western British Columbia community.
Nine people lost their lives during the rampage, which took place across two locations in the town of roughly 2,400 residents.
Six victims were discovered deceased within the school building itself.
A further two people were found dead at a nearby residence that investigators believe is connected to the incident.
One additional victim succumbed to their injuries whilst being transported to hospital.
The gunman was also discovered dead at the scene, having sustained a self-inflicted wound.
Around 25 others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police received reports of an active shooter at the secondary school at 13:20 local time on Tuesday, equivalent to 20:20 GMT.
Officers reached the scene within two minutes of that initial call, according to British Columbia's Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Nina Krieger.
She credited this rapid response with undoubtedly preventing further casualties.
Authorities immediately issued shelter-in-place instructions to local residents, urging them to remain indoors with doors locked.
Both Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and the neighbouring elementary school were placed under a "hold and secure" lockdown as the situation developed.
An active shooter alert was broadcast across the rural community and surrounding areas.
Two victims with serious or life-threatening injuries were airlifted to hospital for emergency treatment.
The remaining injured individuals are currently being assessed and treated at the local medical centre.
Police have confirmed they know who carried out the attack but have not yet released the suspect's identity publicly.
An earlier alert circulated to residents described the individual as a "female in a dress with brown hair", though authorities have not officially confirmed the person's name or gender.
RCMP North District Commander Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd verified that the deceased suspect matched this description.
Investigators are examining potential motives and whether the attacker had any prior connection to the school.
Officers continue searching additional properties to identify any further victims or individuals linked to the tragedy.
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