A mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney has left 11 people dead and 16 injured, including a child, police have confirmed. 

The attack occurred around 6pm during a Hanukkah celebration, when two gunmen opened fire with long-arm rifles on a crowded beach. One of the gunmen was also killed in the response to the shooting.

Police officers responded immediately, with at least one officer killed and another seriously injured while confronting the shooters.

Speaking to The Anton Savage Show, Jack Han, a reporter for the Today Show in Sydney, said:

“Unfortunately, the death toll has just risen. Confirmation from local police here that at least 12 people have been killed in this mass shooting on Bondi Beach. We have at least 16 people that are right now in hospital. And it pains me to say that at least one of those patients is at the Sydney Children's Hospital."

Han described the scene as “a war zone at Bondi Beach this afternoon with this carnage,” adding that “extraordinary courage and bravery” was shown by both police and members of the public.

He said the situation remains tense, with police continuing to investigate and secure the area.

“This is still very active here at Bondi Beach. They've had to set up a makeshift hospital to stabilise patients before taking them to hospital,” Han explained.

Jewish celebrations across Australia have been cancelled, and the Prime Minister has convened a national security meeting in response.

Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant, warning that large gatherings in the area could still pose risks.

Written by Annemarie Roberts