STRASBOURG: One person was killed and six people were injured in a shooting on Tuesday near a Christmas market in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, police said, adding that the suspected gunman was on the run.

“Serious public security event under way in Strasbourg. Residents are asked to stay at home,” the French interior ministry said in a tweet.

“Shooting in Strasbourg’s city centre. Thanks to all for staying at home until the situation has been clarified,” the city’s deputy mayor said in a tweet.

The Strasbourg-based European Parliament was on lockdown after reports of the shooting emerged, with parliamentarians (MEPs), staff and journalists unable to leave the building.

The parliament is currently in plenary session, with hundreds of MEPs and officials having made the monthly visit to Strasbourg from Brussels.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2018