Strasbourg shooting: 3 dead, 12 injured, gunman still at large

Three people were killed and 12 injured as a lone gunman opened fire at the Strasbourg Christmas Market late on Tuesday.

Hundreds of police officers are hunting a gunman, who escaped after exchanging fire with soldiers and armed police. He is believed to be injured.

According to BFM TV the man had fled his flat in the Neudorf district of the city yesterday morning as it was being searched by police in connection with a robbery.  

The attack unfolded at around 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) close to Strasbourg's famed Christmas market, which attracts thousands of visitors at this time of year.

"He fought twice with our security forces," French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.

Confirming that three people had died, Castaner said that border controls had been strengthened and security at all Christmas markets would be stepped up, with 350 security agents hunting for the gunman. He added that France had raised its security alert level to "emergency attack".

France's counter terrorism prosecutor has opened an investigation. However the motive for the incident remains unclear, BBC reported.

According to police, six of those reportedly injured were said to be in a serious condition, while six others suffered light injuries.