A sudden downtown shooting injured several people tonight; police and emergency teams are on site and an investigation is underway
Critical: shooting in downtown city center leaves multiple injured
Who: local police and emergency medical services. Officers and paramedics remain on scene.
What: a shooting incident that left multiple people injured. Authorities say several victims were taken to hospital.
When: 27 February 2026, beginning at approximately 20:15 local time. UPDATE AT 20:25 — police confirmed multiple victims after a volley of shots.
Where: the intersection of Market Street and Central Avenue in the city center.
Why: motive remains unknown. Authorities say the incident is under investigation.
Our reporters on scene confirm a heavy police presence and an active cordon around the Market Street stalls. At least three ambulances were observed tending to casualties. Officers are taking witness statements and conducting a perimeter search.
Police declined to release the number of injured pending hospital notifications. No arrests have been publicly confirmed.
Investigators from the local police homicide and major crimes units have taken over the scene. Forensic teams are expected to process the area through the night. Authorities ask anyone with footage or information to contact the police tip line.
The situation is rapidly evolving: expect further official updates as authorities confirm details.
The situation is rapidly evolving: our reporters on scene confirm city police and the emergency medical team arrived within minutes.
Witnesses told reporters they heard a burst of gunfire followed by screams. A city police official said: “We are treating this as an active crime scene. We ask the public to avoid the area and to cooperate with investigators.”
UPDATE AT 20:40: medics transported at least four injured people to two nearby hospitals. Hospital releases so far do not disclose identities or full medical status.
Police spokesman Captain Mark Reynolds said: “We have no indication of a wider threat at this time. Our priority is securing the scene and identifying suspects.”
Sul posto confermiamo continued coordination between police and emergency medical teams as investigators process the scene. Further official updates are expected as authorities confirm details.
Further official updates are expected as authorities confirm details. Our reporters on scene confirm police and emergency teams remained at the location conducting initial enquiries.
20:15 — First reports of gunfire near Market Street stalls.
20:18 — Emergency calls were recorded; units were dispatched.
20:22 — Patrols arrived and a cordon was set up around the scene.
20:25 — UPDATE AT 20:25: police confirmed multiple victims and said forensics teams were en route.
20:40 — Ambulances transported injured persons to local hospitals.
21:05 — Detectives began canvassing nearby businesses and reviewing CCTV footage.
The intersection is a busy commercial hub that attracts shoppers and evening crowds. The area has experienced sporadic public order incidents in recent years, but not this level of violence.
City officials had increased patrols after prior complaints about late-night disturbances. Investigators are assessing whether those measures affected the response this evening.
FLASH – the situation is rapidly evolving: Our teams will publish official statements and confirmed details as they become available.
Police forensics continue to process the scene. Teams are collecting shell casings and reviewing nearby CCTV footage.
Detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses. Authorities urge anyone with video or images to contact the city police tip line.
Captain Reynolds said: “We are following several leads; we will release verified information as soon as it is available.”
Market Street remains closed between Central Avenue and West Lane. Public transit routes are being diverted around the scene.
Residents and commuters should avoid the area until authorities issue an all-clear. Follow official channels for travel updates and safety instructions.
FLASH – the situation is rapidly evolving: investigators will release confirmed details when available. Our reporters on scene confirm police briefings and forensic work are ongoing.
UPDATE AT 21:30 — A police briefing is scheduled; reporters may attend for official statements and confirmed casualty figures.
Reporting from the scene, John Carter.