Polish authorities are investigating a mass shooting in the southern city of Kraków after an armed man opened fire in a busy public area, killing six people and injuring 16 others.
The attack happened on Saturday afternoon, 7 November, in the city's Main Market Square, a popular destination for residents and international visitors.
According to police, the suspected attacker drove into the pedestrian area and fired at people from his vehicle. The gunfire caused panic as people ran into nearby buildings, cafés and restaurants to find shelter.
The attacker subsequently moved through several locations before confronting police officers. An exchange of gunfire followed, leaving the suspect wounded and eventually arrested.
Among the six people killed were four women and two men. Polish authorities confirmed that one victim was a British citizen, while the identities of two other victims were still being established in the initial reports.
Three bodies discovered at suspect's residence
The investigation took a further turn when police searching the suspect's home in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski discovered three additional bodies.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the deceased appeared to be members of the suspect's immediate family. Police later identified them as the suspect's father, mother and sister.
The discovery raised further questions about events leading up to the shooting and whether the deaths at the residence were connected to the attack.
Investigators have not yet publicly established the circumstances surrounding the three deaths.
Authorities used a drone to inspect the property before conducting further operations because of concerns that weapons might be stored inside.
Police response and investigation
Polish police said the suspect was arrested following an armed confrontation with officers. He was taken to hospital for treatment and remains under police supervision.
Investigators recovered additional firearms, ammunition and military-style equipment from his vehicle. Officials also confirmed that the suspect held a firearms licence and had no known previous criminal record.
Two police officers were among those injured during the incident. One was reported to be in a particularly serious condition.
Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński said preliminary information suggested the attacker had been influenced by far-right ideology. However, investigators have not established a definitive motive, and inquiries into his background and possible connections are continuing.
Poland declares national mourning
The violence has shocked Poland, where attacks of this scale are uncommon.
Prime Minister Tusk urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information while investigators work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
President Karol Nawrocki announced national mourning for 8 and 9 November in memory of those who died.
The tragedy has also drawn international attention because of the foreign nationals affected. The British government expressed condolences following confirmation that one of its citizens was among the victims.
As investigations continue, authorities face the task of determining why the attack occurred, establishing the circumstances of the three additional deaths and providing answers to the families of those affected.
