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Three people shot dead in Spalding, Lincolnshire Three people shot dead in Spalding, Lincolnshire
(35 minutes later)
Three people including a suspected gunman have been shot dead near a swimming pool in Lincolnshire.Three people including a suspected gunman have been shot dead near a swimming pool in Lincolnshire.
Police were called to the Castle swimming pool in Spalding, Lincolnshire, at 9am on Tuesday. No shots have been fired by officers.Police were called to the Castle swimming pool in Spalding, Lincolnshire, at 9am on Tuesday. No shots have been fired by officers.
A force spokesman said: “We can confirm that there has been a firearms incident on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding, in the vicinity of the Castle swimming pool, in which three people have been fatally wounded, including the suspected offender.A force spokesman said: “We can confirm that there has been a firearms incident on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding, in the vicinity of the Castle swimming pool, in which three people have been fatally wounded, including the suspected offender.
“There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.“There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
“There is no indication that this is a terrorist-related incident and no shots have been fired by police. We would urge members of the public to stay away from the area at the present time.”“There is no indication that this is a terrorist-related incident and no shots have been fired by police. We would urge members of the public to stay away from the area at the present time.”
A spokesman for East Midlands ambulance service said three people had died from gunshot wounds. He said paramedics were called at 9.04am and that the three victims were found dead at the scene.A spokesman for East Midlands ambulance service said three people had died from gunshot wounds. He said paramedics were called at 9.04am and that the three victims were found dead at the scene.
“Our ambulance crews and paramedic officer were sent to the emergency and told to approach with caution,” said the spokesman.
“Upon arriving at scene our paramedics treated three patients who had gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead. This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the friends and families of those involved.”
South Holland district council member Gary Taylor, whose ward includes the swimming baths – said the area was in a state of “total shock” over the killings.
“I was there at the swimming baths just last night and then this morning I heard that this has happened. It’s totally shocking,” he said.
“It’s not an area that has any guns or gang crime whatsoever. It’s a very peaceful, safe, residential area so everyone is in total shock. The council are trying to reassure people ... the gunman has apparently shot himself.”
Nigel Chapman, a journalist at the Spalding and South Holland Voice, said: “There are scores of emergency service vehicles there and the entrance to the Castle Sports complex has been closed off.”Nigel Chapman, a journalist at the Spalding and South Holland Voice, said: “There are scores of emergency service vehicles there and the entrance to the Castle Sports complex has been closed off.”
Locals reported that schools in the area were in lockdown. Laura Spring, who works at the Woodlands Hotel on Pinchbeck Road, told the Lincolnshire Echo: “We heard ambulances and police cars go by about an hour ago. My colleague heard that there was an air ambulance on the scene.Locals reported that schools in the area were in lockdown. Laura Spring, who works at the Woodlands Hotel on Pinchbeck Road, told the Lincolnshire Echo: “We heard ambulances and police cars go by about an hour ago. My colleague heard that there was an air ambulance on the scene.
“We thought it must be something serious. It is absolutely devastating – you see these things on the TV but you don’t expect them on your own doorstep. I have a cold shiver running down my spine.”“We thought it must be something serious. It is absolutely devastating – you see these things on the TV but you don’t expect them on your own doorstep. I have a cold shiver running down my spine.”
Lynda Jarvis, who works at the Ship Albion Inn, next door to the swimming pool, told the Guardian that she had seen an air ambulance flying over and police vehicles and ambulances drive past. She said the business hadn’t been told anything by the emergency services, but that the road had been cordoned off.
“Spalding is getting a bit like that with stabbings and things like that,” she said. “It is shocking, but I don’t think it’s anything for anybody else to worry about if it’s a personal thing, so I’m not scared. You can’t let these people beat you.”