Vancouver police say a “number of people have been stabbed,” and a suspect was shot by police in the city’s downtown on Wednesday.
Police said they responded to the “violent incident” near Robson and Hamilton streets.
Witnesses speaking to CBC News said shots were fired near a 7-Eleven close to the Vancouver Central Public Library.
They said two people were taken away in ambulances.
Police and fire crews remain on scene. CBC has reached out to police for more details.
Vancouver Police are responding to a violent incident near Robson and Hamilton. A number of people have been stabbed, and the suspect has been shot by police. We’ll provide more info when it’s available. pic.twitter.com/9qSn12Y4kl
‘A terrible scene’: witness
Mainul Islam, a part-time delivery worker who was outside the 7-Eleven, said he witnessed the incident and saw a man brandishing a knife inside the 7-Eleven.
“It’s a terrible scene,” he said.
He said witnesses alerted patrol officers to what had happened and said they arrived within a minute.
Islam estimates that police shot the man 10 times.
Terry Yung, B.C.’s minister of state for community safety and integrated services, said he hopes the victims will have a speed recovery.
“It’s a very concerning incident, especially for those involved,” he said.
He said further details about the incident would come from Vancouver police.
“Everyone should feel safe in their neighbourhood.”
