Three People Shot Dead Near Swimming Pool

Three people have been shot dead, including the suspected gunman, in Spalding, Lincolnshire, police have said.

The shootings happened near to a swimming pool at about 9am, Lincolnshire Police said.

Emergency vehicles at the scene of the tragedy in Spalding

No shots have been fired by officers.

Aerial helicopter footage from the scene showed police tape surrounding a silver hatch-back car with debris scattered around it.

Next to that a white forensic police tent covered the front of a blue car.

What appears to be a silver body bag is laid on the ground nearby, next to a separate, smaller forensic tent.    

It is understood police, army personnel and paramedics, as well as at least one emergency helicopter, attended the scene.

Paramedics arrived by air ambulance and fought to save those who had been shot.

An East Midlands Ambulance spokesman said: "Upon arriving at scene, our paramedics treated three patients who had gunshot wounds.

"Despite the best efforts of everyone at the scene the patients were pronounced dead." 

A police statement read: "We can confirm that there has been a firearms incident on Pinchbeck Road in Spalding in the vicinity of the Castle Swimming Pool.

"Three people have been fatally wounded, including the suspected offender.

"There is an ongoing police investigation and at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"There is no indication that this is a terrorist related incident and no shots have been fired by police."  

A Spalding Grammar School spokesperson told the Lincolnshire Echo that the school is "on lockdown and nobody is allowed out."

Castle Swimming Pool also confirmed that the centre was closed.

Journalist Nigel Chapman told Sky News that the pool is in the centre of Spalding and a busy area for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.

"There was a sound like a bird scarer going off," he said.

"I went down and there were scores of emergency vehicles and the entrances to the pool had been shut.

"We have our suspicions that this may be a murder/suicide at this stage." 

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said on Twitter: "Shocking events in Spalding, Lincolnshire. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

Laura Spring, who works at the Woodlands Hotel on Pinchbeck Road, told the Lincolnshire Echo: "It is absolutely devastating.

"I have a cold shiver running down my spine." 

Police urged members of the public to stay away from the area.

Any witnesses are asked to call 101, quoting incident number 92 of 19 July.