At least 14 people have been killed and another 25 wounded after a gunman opened fire at a university in the Czech Republic capital of Prague.
It’s the worst mass shooting since Czech independence 30 years ago.
The shooting unfolded at Charles University, not far from Prague’s historic Old Town Square.
Police have confirmed the man was a student at the university and was due to attend a lecture there when officers went to the university to look for him.
It’s understood he began his shooting spree on the fourth floor of the university’s arts faculty.
Around 200 students were rushed to safety with footage showing others cowering on the ledge of a building.
The gunman was later found dead inside the building.
Police believe the man had been inspired by other similar massacres and had planned to end his life.
They have also confirmed more weapons were discovered inside the university.
“We could have had high tens of victims without a quick police response,” Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan said.
Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
Investigators are also looking into whether he was responsible for the shooting deaths of two people in a forest last week.
“The tragedy is deep, the tragedy will certainly have many other consequences for the atmosphere in the school, for the loved ones, for those who were evacuated from the building, and who witnessed the tragic event.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed his shock at the massacre.
“It’s such a wonderful city, particularly at this time of the year, and this tragedy which has unfolded overnight our time has of course been terrible scenes there in such a wonderful city,” Mr Albanese told the ABC.
The Prime Minister says there was no information at this stage suggesting any Australians had been caught up in the shooting.
However, anyone concerned about Australian relatives in Prague is urged to call the DFAT hotline on 1300 555 135.
