Burlington gun attack: Four women shot dead at US shopping centre


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BBC

Four women have been shot dead and a man critically injured at a shopping centre in Burlington, Washington state.

Police have released a picture of the suspected gunman, who fled the scene armed with a rifle.

The Cascade Mall and nearby shops have been evacuated and police have asked the public to stay away. The motive for the attack is not clear.

The suspect, described as a “Hispanic male wearing grey”, was seen heading towards the Interstate 5 motorway.

Washington State Patrol spokesman Mark Francis said the fatalities had taken place inside Macy’s department store.

Video image provided by Skagit County Department of Emergency Management shows suspect wanted regarding shooting at Cascade Mall in Burlington. 23 Sep 2016AP  •  Police released this image of the suspect
Scene of the shooting in Burlington. 23 Sept 2016AP  •  Police sealed off the shopping centre and evacuated those inside

Emergency medical teams had entered the shopping centre “to attend to injured” and people were being evacuated to a nearby church, he said.

Mr Francis said the gunman had left the scene before police arrived and was last seen walking towards a motorway.

Emergency management officials have told residents to stay inside with their doors locked and avoid the area near the Cascade Mall. Drivers are being urged to keep nearby major roads clear.

The FBI, which is assisting in the investigation, says there is no evidence that further attacks are planned in Washington State.

Burlington is about 65 miles (105km) north of Seattle.

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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37460461

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