France: 4 Dead, 11 Injured in Gun Attack at Christmas Market

A lone gunman opened fire on Christmas shoppers in France’s Grand Est region on Tuesday night, killing at least four people and injuring 11 others.

According to reports, the attack took place at a Christmas market in Strasbourg, a city located 400 kilometres away from the country’s capital, Paris.

An eyewitness told a media publication: “I heard shooting and then there was pandemonium. People were running everywhere.”

He added that he had seen three people injured on the ground, just a few metres from the giant Christmas tree situated in the city centre.

Police vehicles and ambulances arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting occurred. Several areas surrounding the market were sealed off. Residents were warned to stay indoors, while shoppers sought refuge in restaurants and bars.

Interior minister, Christophe Castaner, confirmed this morning that the missing gunman was known to security services, and that a manhunt is currently underway.

This attack comes three years after jihadists gunned down and blew up 130 people in Paris on 13 November 2015.