Latest update: Police officers fatally shot in Dallas during 'Black Lives Matter' protest
This is thought to be a targeted attack
Reports are coming in that as many as five police officers have been shot and fatally wounded during a targeted attack in Dallas, Texas.
What we know so far:
- The shootings took place during a protest for 'Black Lives Matter' following on from yesterday's fatal shooting of Philando Castile - Five police officers are now reported to have been killed - There have been threats that there are bombs all over the city - Three suspects are in custody
Protests had been taking place in Dallas after Philando Castile’s girlfriend Lavish Reynolds live-streamed video on Facebook as he lay dying after being shot by police officers. Reynolds claims they were only pulled over for a 'busted light' and that her boyfriend had a licensed gun in his possession.
Dallas Police Department posted on their official Facebook page the following statement:
'Tonight it appears that two snipers shot ten police officers from elevated positions during the protest/rally. Three officers are deceased, two are in surgery and three are in critical condition. An intensive search for suspects is currently underway. No suspects are in custody at this time. We ask that any citizen with information regarding the shootings tonight call 214-671-3485. We will provide more information once it is available. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers tonight.'
Many celebrities have taken to social media to pay their respects and President Obama has paid tribute, calling the attacks 'vicious and despicable'.
"Today is a wrenching reminder of the sacrifices they make for us. We also know that when people are armed with powerful weapons, unfortunately it makes attacks like these more tragic."
Meanwhile a spokeperson for David Cameron said he was 'shocked and horrified' by the events.