A night of terror in Vienna

The Austrian capital of Vienna has been left reeling after a gunman opened fire on Monday night. The first shots were heard in the city center at around 8 p.m. local time, just hours before Austria was to reimpose a coronavirus lockdown, with people out in bars and restaurants for a final night out.

The attacks, which took place at around six locations, killed many and left even more people injured.

The first happened near the city's main synagogue. One witness told public broadcaster ORF: "It sounded like firecrackers, then we realized it was shots."

A gunman "shot wildly with an automatic weapon" before police arrived and opened fire, the witness added. Another bystander said at least 50 shots were fired.

As the attack unfolded, civilians waiting inside the Vienna State Opera were comforted by orchestra members who continued playing, as people were kept indoors.

Elsewhere in the city, citizens were seen fleeing and seeking shelter as heavily armed police patrolled the streets.

The government also told children not to go to school and remain at home as a precaution.

Videos circulated on social media of a gunman running down a cobblestone street shooting and shouting. One showed a man gunning down a person outside what appeared to be a bar on the street housing the synagogue, which was closed at the time of the attack.

Police sealed off much of the historic center of the city overnight, urging the public to shelter in place. During the attack, many sought refuge in bars and hotels and workers slept overnight in their offices. Public transport throughout the old town was shut down as police searched the city.