At least nine people have been killed after a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney.
Here is what we know so far about what happened.
How many people were killed or injured?
In addition to nine fatalities, at least 11 people have been injured, including a child and two police officers.
A man believed to be one of the gunmen was also killed and another suspect is in custody in a critical condition.
New South Wales Police said the number of casualties was “expected to change”.
A spokesperson for the New South Wales Ambulance service earlier said 13 people were taken to hospital.
How did the shooting unfold?
Details are still emerging about exactly what happened, with Sky News’ Data x Forensics team working to verify footage.
One video shows two gunmen appearing to open fire from a small bridge overlooking the beach.
Another video shows crowds of people on the beach running away as they fled the scene.
Jewish event for Hanukkah nearby
It is not clear who or what was the target of the shooting, but we do know there was an event celebrating the Jewish holy festival of Hanukkah happening at Bondi Beach.
The leader of Australia’s opposition said the attack took place as “our Jewish community came together at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday on the beach had been attacked by “vile terrorists”.
What have witnesses said?
Witnesses have described the terror and confusion as masses of people fled the beach.
“Thousands of people just like running. And I opened up the back gate to my friend’s cafe and just let everyone in,” one witness told 9News.
“Pregnant women, women with kids, just everyone’s running and just running.
“Like the whole it was just panic. It was pandemonium.”
Harry Wilson, who witnessed the shooting, told the Sydney Morning Herald: “I saw at least 10 people on the ground and blood everywhere.”
Another witness, called Phil, told 9News: “We just heard what sounded like fireworks. The beach was absolutely packed. And then there were a lot of fireworks going off.
“Then suddenly we saw thousands of people just running this way. So we all just went inside, holed up in the toilets.
“I’ve got a friend that’s holed up in a basement now. Everybody went inside.”
Phil said he soon realised the sounds of fireworks were “more than that”.
“We’re a bit shaken,” he added.
‘Suspicious items located’
Police said their operation was “ongoing” and a “number of suspicious items located in the vicinity” were being examined by specialist officers.
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How have politicians reacted?
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the scenes in Bondi were “shocking and distressing”.
He said in a statement: “Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives.
“My thoughts are with every person affected.”
Opposition leader Sussan Ley said: “The loss of life from this attack is significant and I join with the prime minister in urging all Australians to follow official advice from police and relevant authorities.”
