by Mick the Ram

Terror came to an education centre in the Swedish city of Örebro when a gunman opened fire in an attack which in the words of the Prime Minister resulted in the “worst mass shooting” in the country’s history.

According to a police statement at least 10 people have been killed and were all found within the school building.

Amongst the dead is believed to be the suspected gunman who was a male that was previously unknown to the authorities and was not thought to have any terrorist links.

The attack at Risbergska school some 200km (124 miles) west of the capital city Stockholm, was believed to have been a lone act by the perpetrator who had no immediately identifiable motive.

Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf described the shootings as a “terrible atrocity” in a statement from the Royal House.

Possibility death toll could rise

Police said they were alerted to reports of a shooting taking place around lunchtime at the adult education centre, which is on a campus that is home to other schools.

They have initially put the death count at ten, but have pointed out that as well as there being several injured, the fact that it is a very large site means that there remains a possibility that there could be others still to be found.

Hospitals sprung into action

Nearby hospitals cleared their emergency rooms and intensive care units to free up space for the injured and early reports suggest that at least four people undergoing operations.

PM asks for public not to speculate

Ulf Kristersson the PM, remarked on how those who had a “normal school day” replaced with “terror” are all in his thoughts.

“It is difficult to take in the magnitude of what has happened; being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience.”

He added that the shooting was an “act of brutal and lethal violence” but asked people not to speculate about how it happened or why, and for the police to be given the freedom and  the space they need to do their work and investigations.

King sends his condolences

King Carl XVI Gustaf issued a statement straight after hearing ther news: “With sadness and dismay, my family and I have received the information about the terrible atrocity in Örebro.

“We send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and our thoughts at this time also go to the injured and their relatives, as well as to others affected.

“My family and I would like to express our great appreciation for the police, rescue and medical personnel who worked intensively to save and protect human lives on this dark day.”

Inland hub

The city of Örebro is the sixth-largest in Sweden with a population of approximately 126,000. It is a trade and logistics operating centre and its strategic location makes it one of the largest inland hubs of the country.