Austria school shooting leaves 8 dead, suspect may have reportedly killed himself

At least eight people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at a school in the Austrian city of Graz, news agency Reuters reported, citing local media.

The suspect, reportedly a student, is believed to have killed himself and was found in the washroom, UK-based Independent reported, citing Austrian state media ORF. However, an official confirmation was awaited.

Police said a major operation had been underway in the city since 10 am after gunshots were heard inside the school. Students and teachers were among those seriously injured in the shooting, according to ORF.

A video on social media showed police cars rushing to the spot following the shooting, while another showed people and police vehicles at the site.

According to Austrian police, the operation was ongoing in a street on which a secondary school is located. The building was searched by authorities and the area was cordoned off.

The husband of a teacher who was barricaded in a classroom with her students during the shooting said his wife heard several gunshots, Krone newspaper reported.

Parents of students who escaped were allowed to see their wards while the injured were being given medical attention.

The shooting occurred ahead of the tenth anniversary of the Graz shooting on June 20, 2015, which left three people dead.