Ten dead and more than 25 injured after horror mass shooting at rural Canadian school

Some 10 people are dead and more than 25 have been injured in a mass school shooting in British Columbia.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) entered Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in Tumbler Ridge, a rural part of Canada.

The suspect is among the dead, reportedly from a self-inflicted injury.

Six of the victims were found dead within the school, while another person died on the way to the hospital.

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Two more people were found dead at a residence RCMP believe is connected to the incident.

Two of the injured were airlifted to hospital, with an Alberta-based crew taking patients to a hospital in Edmonton, some 600 kilometres away from rural Tumbler Ridge.

The emergency alert was released earlier today at 1.20pm and stood down at 5.45pm.

It originally described the shooter as a woman in a dress with brown hair, according to CBC, Canada's public broadcaster.

RCMP said police are investigating the "full circumstances" around the incident.

In a statement, North District Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd said: "This was a rapidly evolving and dynamic situation, and the swift co-operation from the school, first responders, and the community played a critical role in our response.

"Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones, and all those impacted by this tragic incident. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional day for our community, and we are grateful for the co-operation shown as officers continue their work to advance the investigation."

Police have added they do not believe there are any other suspects or an ongoing risk to the public.

Mr Floyd said via virtual update that he could not disclose the relationship between the two shot in the nearby residence and the shooter.

He said: "We believe they're connected, but we're not in a position to provide that definitely right now, at this time, what that connection may or may not be."

The police chief, who resides in Prince George, also refused to say how many of the victims were children.

Mr Floyd said local businesses have already offered to offer support, and that he had already spoken to both local and provincial officials about the attack.

"We have multiple layers of support coming for our students, for our teachers, for our community of Tumbler Ridge," said the Chief Superintendent, adding that he was committed to providing more answers in the coming days.

The preliminary death toll of 10 makes the shooting the deadliest of its kind in Canada this century.

The Tumbler Ridge Health Centre has been placed on restricted access until tomorrow morning as it handles the tragedy.

Pupils from the school were released back to their parents just after 5pm.

Larry Neufeld, member of Canada's legislative assembly for the area said on a statement in Facebook that he was closely monitoring the situation.

He said: "My thoughts are with the students, families, educators, and the entire Tumbler Ridge community. This is a small, close-knit town, and the impact of an event like this is felt by everyone.

"Out of respect for those affected, it’s important that we allow law enforcement the time they need to complete their investigation and confirm details. I will continue to share verified information as it becomes available."

He added that help and support are available to residents and families in Tumbler Ridge.

David Eby, the Premier of British Columbia, said in a statement on X: "Our hearts are in Tumbler Ridge tonight with the families of those who have lost loved ones.

"Government will ensure every possible support for community members in the coming days, as we all try to come to terms with this unimaginable tragedy."

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has announced classes are to be cancelled for the next week, with an announcement for where students can find support on social media coming soon.

Tumbler Ridge has a population of 2,399 and is located within the BC Rockies.

The provincial government website lists the school as having 175 students across grades 7 to 12.

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