Kyiv gunman neutralised after killing two, taking hostages PHOTO/UPDATED

Ukrainian special forces have killed the gunman responsible for the deadly shooting in Kyiv during an assault on a supermarket where he had taken refuge.

The operation was carried out by KORD officers, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

“Special forces of the National Police conducted an assault on the store where the suspect was located. He had taken people hostage and opened fire on a police officer during the attempt to detain him. Negotiators had previously tried to establish contact with him. The number of victims is being clarified. There are fatalities and injuries,” the minister wrote.

Earlier, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that two people had been killed and five others injured in the attack in the Holosiivskyi District. Among those hospitalised is a child. A supermarket security guard was also wounded after the attacker stormed the premises.

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An unidentified man armed with an automatic weapon opened fire on civilians in Kyiv’s Demiivka district, Ukrainian media outlet UNIAN reports. Police are currently pursuing the suspect.

Videos shared online appear to show the gunman, dressed in civilian clothing, running along a street and shooting at random passersby.

Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that one person has been killed and several others wounded, though the exact number of casualties is still being clarified.

A special police operation is underway to apprehend the attacker, with multiple units, including the KORD special forces, deployed to the scene.

Residents of the Demiivka area have been urged to remain indoors.