At least five people have been shot at a school in Sweden following reports of automatic weapons fire as a major police operation was launched.
Shots were reported at Risbergska School in Örebro’s Västhaga district around 1pm local time on Tuesday, February 4.
Lena Warenmark, a teacher at Risbergska, told national broadcaster SVT: “We heard gunshots very close to our study. There were probably ten shots.”
Dozens of police cars and ambulances descended on Västhaga as police locked down the school, establishing a perimeter around the building. Armed officers were seen approaching the school with weapons drawn.
Meanwhile, an image taken inside the school and publishedthe by Swedish press showed a person lying on the floor of a classroom beside overturned chairs used to barricade the classroom door.
Five people are confirmed injured, according to Örebro police statement on social media, as Swedish media reported at least one individual was evacuated and taken to hospital.
“This is currently seen as attempted murder, arson and aggravated weapons offence,” the statement read.
But there are fears that casualty figures will continue to rise as Aftonbladet reported that hospitals in Örebro are emptying their emergency rooms and intensive care units to receive shooting victims.
Witness Magnus Håkansson told Expressen: “I heard bangs and then I came out quite early after that. The police ordered me to lie down at the scene. I saw a lot of blood.”
A horrified parent of one of the students added: “I am shaken and easily moved to tears now, but my daughter writes to me that she is praying to God that everything will be okay.”
There are reports that the shooter turned the gun on himself at the scene, but this is yet to be confirmed by police who said; The danger is not over. The public MUST continue to stay away from Västhaga.”
Police in the city located 200km west of Stockholm issued a statement warning the public to avoid the area as they look for the shooter.
“The public is urged to stay away from the Västhaga area, alternatively stay indoors in their homes or go the other way.
“Listen to the police officers at the scene. The operation concerns threats of deadly violence. The operation is still ongoing,” their statement said.
Police later confirmed a press conference would be held at 3:30pm local time.
Students are being sheltered in nearby buildings and other parts of the school have been evacuated.
Risbergska School serves students who are over the age of 20, according to its website.
Primary and upper secondary school courses are offered, as well as Swedish classes for immigrants, vocational training and programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
It is surrounded by several other schools and educational establishments.
Åke Johansson, principal of the nearby Karolinska High School, said staff and students are sheltering in place.
“We try to avoid staying downstairs and away from glass and visibility, and that’s how it looks at most schools in Örebro now. We have many students who are worried and thoughtful about what’s happening.”
Åsa Svennebäck, health and medical communications officer in the Örebro region, confirmed to Expressen that patients are now being moved to make room at the University Hospital.
“We are receiving injured people in the emergency room. I can’t say anything about how many or the condition of the injured. We are still trying to get a picture,” she said.
Sweden’s Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer told public broadcaster SVT: “The information about violent acts in Örebro is very serious. The police are on site and the operation is in full swing.
“The government is in close contact with the police and is following the developments closely.”
The shooting prompted an outpouring of support from leading political figures in Sweden.
Green Party spokesman Daniel Helldén said: “Terrible what we are being told from Örebro. My thoughts go out to everyone who is affected: students, staff, and relatives. It is unacceptable that this is happening and that the violence is spreading more and more.”
Social Democrat Teresa Carvalho added that she is “following with horror what is happening in Örebro”.
“Thinking of all those affected and worried about their relatives,” she wrote on X.
