An attack on a school in southeastern Austria reportedly by a former student has left several people dead, police there said on Tuesday, in a rare case of deadly gun violence in a European school.

Heavily armed police, a helicopter and paramedics descended upon the school in Graz, where 10 people including the alleged lone shooter were killed and "several severely injured", regional police said on X.

"The identities of those affected are currently being established," police said, adding the situation as "secure" and support was being provided to witnesses and those affected.

Graz Mayor Elke Kahr told Austrian press agency APA that 10 people including several students and one adult were killed.

The alleged shooter acted alone, police said, and his motive is unknown.

Austrian media reported the suspect is believed to be a 22-year-old former student who also took his own life.

"The situation is very unclear at the moment," police sources told APA.

"It's a disaster, simply terrible. After all, it's about children," Hasan Darsel, a restaurant owner in the area, told the newspaper Kronen Zeitung.

Condolences poured in from across Europe.

EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas declared herself "deeply shocked" on Tuesday by reports of the shooting.

"Every child should feel safe at school and be able to learn free from fear and violence," Kallas posted on X. "My thoughts are with the victims, their families and the Austrian people in this dark moment."

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said "the news from Graz touches my heart".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her sympathies to the families of the victims following the "tragic news".
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Last updated: 2025-06-10 HKT 20:53