According to Danish police, several people were killed in a shooting at a shopping center in Copenhagen.
“One person has been arrested in connection with the shooting,” Copenhagen police said, describing the perpetrator as a 22-year-old man of Danish descent.
Chief Inspector Soeren Thomassen said the force did not rule out the possibility that the incident at Field’s shopping mall, one of the largest in Scandinavia, was linked to terrorism.
Police said they continued to have a strong presence at the scene. They declined to comment on the nature of the weapon used.
“We are still heavily present at Field’s and are working to secure the entire building. If you are still at Field’s, stay where you are and wait for the police,” they said.
“Citizens are encouraged not to contact police for non-emergency requests unless those requests relate to the shooting at Field’s.”
Copenhagen Police Chief Inspector Soeren Thomassen said the suspect was an ethnic Dane
Local media reported that three people were admitted to a trauma center at one of Copenhagen’s main hospitals.
According to Chief Inspector Thomassen, police first received information about the shooting at 5:30 p.m.
He said there was no evidence the attacker was working in a conspiracy with others.
Photo: Reuters
Reuters photographs show people fleeing the mall, including families with young children.
Another shows armed police standing by an ambulance on the street outside.
The Lord Mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Andersen, tweeted: “Terrible reports of shooting at Fields. We don’t know for sure yet how many people were injured or killed, but it is very serious.
“Copenhagen emergency preparedness has been called in,” she added, referring to the municipality’s crisis response plan.
Photo: Reuters
The exact number of people killed and injured has not been officially announced.
Photographs shared by local media show heavily armed police at the scene and at least ten ambulances.
Photo: Reuters
British singer Harry Styles was due to perform at 7pm UK time tonight at a venue near the shopping centre.
In a Snapchat message, he wrote, “My team and I are praying for everyone involved in the Copenhagen mall shooting. I’m shocked.”
Concert organizer Live Nation initially said the concert would still take place at 8 p.m.
However, fans commenting on the promoter’s Facebook page at 8:25 p.m. complained that many were unable to enter the arena, where the concert has yet to begin.
Photo: Reuters
They were finally informed at 8:45 p.m. through someone on stage that the concert would be cancelled, apparently at the direction of the police who are now escorting fans out of the arena.
The Danish royal family has announced that it has canceled a dinner which was planned to celebrate the opening stage of the Tour de France in Denmark.
