Vienna: ‘Several injured’ after reports of gunfire near synagogue

Austrian police said an operation was ongoing

Credit: AP

Several people have been injured, including a police officer, after gunfire in central Vienna, police said, after reports of an incident at a synagogue. 

Local news reports citing the Austrian Interior Ministry suggested that a police officer was seriously injured and a suspect had been arrested in the incident.  

Local police confirmed on Twitter that several people have been injured in central Vienna amid exchanges of fire, although did not give the exact location.

"Shots fired in the Inner City district — there are persons injured — KEEP AWAY from all public places or public transport," the police said on Twitter.  

Earlier, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported that a large-scale police operation was ongoing at a Vienna synagogue following gunfire. ORF cited witnesses saying several shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m. (1900 GMT).

Vienna police tweeted that officers were out in force and the exact circumstances of the incident were still being determined.

The Austrian Ministry of the Interior has told the Austria Press Agency that the incident was either a lone wolf rampage or a terrorist attack. 

More to come