PM pays tribute after shooting in Krakow in which British citizen died

Andy Burnham has said he is shocked and saddened as it was confirmed a British citizen was among the six people killed during a mass shooting in the Polish city of Krakow.

The suspect in the attack, a 25-year-old Polish national, remains in hospital in a serious condition. The authorities believe he was inspired by “far-right ideologies”.

Four women and two men were killed in the attack, including one British citizen, said Polish police commander-in-chief Marek Boron.

In a press conference with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Mr Boron said: “There are 16 people injured including two police officers and the perpetrator himself, 11 of those are polish citizens, five citizens of foreign countries.

“There are six fatalities, four women and two men – three Polish persons, one citizen of Great Britain and two persons who are not yet identified.”

“We are undertaking activities at the place where the perpetrator lived, so I think we will so more what those investigations bring.”

A police car in a cordoned off area near the market square in Krakow (Beata Zawrzel/AP)

AP

As it emerged that a British citizen was among the dead, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the victims of the attack.

Mr Burnham said: “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Krakow today.

“My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence.

“The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland.”

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, centre, Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, left, and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski attend a security briefing in Krakow (Beata Zawrzel/AP)

AP

The suspect has not yet been identified, but has been confirmed by authorities to be a 25-year-old Polish man.

The Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the attacker was a fascinated with “far-right ideology” and held “very radical views”.

He opened fire in Krakow’s main square on Saturday afternoon with an automatic weapon.

The suspect was shot and wounded during a gunfight with officers and was taken to hospital for surgery, police said.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz called Saturday’s fatal shooting an “act of terror” on the people of Krakow.

The FCDO is advising British nationals in Krakow to “follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media”.

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The UK Government deeply mourns the British national and other victims who have died after the appalling attack in Krakow.

“All of my deepest condolences go to the families of the victims. The UK stands resolutely in solidarity with the people of Poland.”