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Maryland shooting: Woman, 26, kills three before turning gun on herself at place of work in US

A woman opened fire at work in the US state of Maryland, killing three and injuring several others before turning a gun on herself, police said.

The suspect was a 26-year-old temporary employee at the Rite Aid distribution centre in Harford County, according to the Harford County sheriff's office.

The attacker, identified as Snochia Moseley of Baltimore County, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The motive for her attack is unclear.

It appears only one weapon was used - a 9 mm Glock handgun that was registered in Moseley's name - and no shots were fired by responding law enforcement officers, the sheriff said.

Multiple emergency services attended the scene
Multiple emergency services attended the scene

People were urged to avoid the area following the incident, at the Rite Aid Distribution Center in Aberdeen, Harford County, shortly after 9am local time (2pm BST).

People were shot inside and outside the building where the incident occurred, near to Spesutia and Perryman Road.

At an earlier press briefing, Sheriff Gahler, of Harford County, said there were "multiple wounded and multiple fatalities", describing the incident as "another tragic event".

He said: "Many people have been affected by the events here this morning.

"There are a lot of families irreparably harmed."

Following this, he briefly explained the emergency response, from the call at 9.06am, to multiple agencies being on the scene around five minutes later.

He thanked those in the response and also sent messages of support to those affected by the tragedy.

"Keep the victims in your hearts and prayers.

"When something like this happens you can't have enough police and you can't have them fast enough," he said.

A Maryland State Police officer speaks with a motorist near the scene of the shooting
A Maryland State Police officer speaks with a motorist near the scene of the shooting

There were no shots fired by authorities responding to the scene.

Following this, the Harford County county executive, Barry Glassman, spoke at the scene.

"Unfortunately, in today's world, we have active shooter drills.

"Every agency performed at the top of their profession," he said.

Incidents such as this were becoming an "all too often occurrence" in the county and across the USA, he said.

The FBI earlier described the Aberdeen incident as an "active shooter situation" and said its Baltimore field office was assisting.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tactical agents responding to the situation
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) tactical agents responding to the situation

An earlier statement from the Harford County Sheriff’s office said: “We can confirm there was a shooting in the area of Spesutia Road and Perryman Road. Multiple victims.

"The situation is still fluid. Please avoid the area.”

Harford County Fire and EMS stated it also assised.

A spokeswoman for Rite Aid said the incident took place at a support facility adjacent to a larger building.

Governer Larry Hogan of the state of Maryland said the situation was being monitored closely.

On Twitter, he said: “We are closely monitoring the horrific shooting in Aberdeen. Our prayers are with all those impacted, including our first responders. The State stands ready to offer any support.”

The Baltimore field division of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tweeted that its special agents also responded

A "family reunification center", has been set up at Volunteer Fire House, 3633 Level Village rd Havre de Grace, to assist some of those affected in the incident.