Three police officers have been shot dead and two others wounded in the Canadian province of New Brunswick.
A suspect has been identified as Justin Bourque (24) who is believed to be dressed in military gear and armed.
Constable Daniem Theriault from Moncton Police held a press conference a short while ago:
The town of Moncton, on the east coast of the country, is in lockdown after the gunman began firing at officers.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police in New Brunswick confirmed three deaths on its Twitter feed.
#Codiac #RCMPNB - 3 officers mortally wounded by shooter. 2 officers sustained non life threatning injuries. Shooter still actively sought.
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) June 5, 2014
#Codiac - Moncton Coliseum area, Pinehurst Subdivision - Stay inside lock your doors Stay safe. Motorist stay away from area.
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) June 5, 2014
Shooter near Pinehurst subdivision - #Codiac #RCMPNB ask public to not give out information on police operation/location over social media.
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) June 5, 2014
The RCMP said on Twitter that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton.
Codiac RCMP are searching for 24-y-o Justin Bourque of Moncton. Anyone with information call 9-1-1. http://t.co/JCcJyixfce
— RCMP New Brunswick (@RCMPNB) June 5, 2014
The police force tweeted an image of a suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police have released this picture of suspect Justin Bourque
Danny Leblanc (42) said he saw the gunman in the distance on Wednesday evening standing in the middle of the street with his gun pointed at police cars.
The construction worker said he believed it was an RCMP officer he was looking at until he heard a burst of automatic gunfire coming from the man's gun.
He said he quickly retreated into his home and remained there with his family.
At one point a neighbour posted on social media that their kitchen window was shattered by gunfire.
Mr Leblanc said few people on his normally quiet street were sleeping as they awaited word at midnight on whether arrests had been made.
"It's devastating. I don't know if he was on a hunt for them, or what," he said.
Police said they believed the suspect was at large in Moncton.
A number of roads in the city were blocked and traffic was backed up on major arteries.
Drivers were also asked to stay out of the area.
Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc urged all residents to pay strict attention to the RCMP warnings.
