Cumbria shootings: Cameron reacts

Wednesday, 2 June 2010 5:40 PM

By Ian Dunt

David Cameron has expressed his shock at the shooting spree which took place in Cumbria in his first PMQs as prime minister.

In an opening statement to the House, Mr Cameron informed the Commons of the shooting spree.

"A number of people have been shot and at least five people have died. I can confirm that the body of the gunman has been found by the police," he said.

A police statement later in the day put the number of dead at 12, with 25 people injured.

The prime minister said the House would be "alarmed and shocked" by the incident.

Interim Labour leader Harriet Harman added her condolences, saying: "We offer our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have been killed."

Police said this afternoon that the body of Derrick Bird, the suspect in the shootings, had been found near Boot in the Lake District.

The first reported shooting occurred at 10:35 BST before the killer headed east.

West Cumberland Hospital went into major incidence footing, cancelling all routine operations and standing on full incident stand-by.

"The government will do everything it possibly can to help the local community and those affected," Mr Cameron said.

"When lives and communities are suddenly shattered in this way, our thoughts should be with all those caught up with these tragic events."

Tags:
• crime
,
• domestic policy
,
• policing and crime