Strasbourg shooting: Gunman still on loose after at least two die in France Christmas market attack

At least two people have been killed and 11 injured after a gunman opened fire near a Christmas market in the French city of Strasbourg.

The gunman, who police have said was a 29-year-old who was previously known to authorities for criminal activity, went on the run. Hours after the shooting, the suspect was reportedly cornered by police and had exchanged gunfire with armed officers, according to police sources.

France’s counter-terrorism prosecutor opened an investigation into the incident.

The Associated Press said it was unclear if the market — which was the nucleus of an Al-Qaeda-linked plot in 2000 — was targeted specifically. The prefect of the Strasbourg region said the suspect was previously flagged as a possible extremist.

The gunman has been identified and has a criminal record, according to Interior Minister Christophe Castaner.

Several of the people wounded were in critical condition, the interior minister said.

Officials said the market would be closed on Wednesday and that flags would be lowered to half mast in a sign of respect.

To see how developments unfolded see below.

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