Ostrava shooting – Six dead after gunman opens fire in Czech Republic hospital before shooting himself dead

SIX people have been killed in a mass shooting inside a Czech Republic hospital.

The gunman – who went on the run after the rampage at Ostrava City Hospital – has killed himself in a police shootout, cops confirm.

Cops have released a photo of the alleged shooter, urging "the public for help in finding the likely suspect.

"We also call for the utmost caution."

Police have evacuated patients and medics after the horrific attack in Czech's northeast at about 7am local time.

The force said it was concerned that the gunman could carry out a further rampage, tweeting: "We are currently strengthening the supervision of selected soft targets across the Czech Republic.

"We ask the public for patience and thoughtfulness."

We call for the utmost caution.

The PM told CT24 that six people had died in the massacre, carried out inside the university hospital's trauma unit at the outpatients clinic.

Interior Minister Jan Hamacek added: "There is a regional police intervention unit and a rapid deployment unit.

"Unfortunately, the attack claimed several lives. The [police] intervention is still in progress – I will not comment on any further details.

"The police are doing everything they can to solve the situation."

The Czech Police also said on Twitter that they are "intensively searching for the perpetrator.

"We ask the public for cooperation."

Earlier, cops reported that four people had been fatally shot, and two victims seriously wounded – but they have now died from their injuries, the PM has confirmed.

Ostrava-Poruba Mayor, Lucie Barankova Vilamkova, said that schools, kindergartens and nursing homes in the vicinity have "taken security measures" and are in lockdown.

The council offices will remain closed "until we were informed that there is no immediate danger," she added.

More to follow

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