Shooting in Montreal Jewish neighbourhood leaves three dead, including suspect

A shooting Monday in a Jewish neighbourhood of Montreal left three people dead, including a police officer, a resident and the alleged assailant, police in the Canadian city said.

There was no immediate word on the motive of the attack in an area that has kosher restaurants and supermarkets frequented by Montreal's large Jewish community.

"It is with immense sadness that we confirm the death of one of our police officers in the line of duty," Montreal police said in a statement posted on X.

They separately announced that a suspect and a resident had been killed, while also urging residents to avoid the area.

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Public broadcaster Radio Canada said another officer was seriously wounded.

The identity of the resident victim was not immediately known, but Montreal police were expected to address journalists on Monday afternoon.

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), a prominent Canadian civil society group, said it was "closely monitoring the situation".

"As we await more details about the nature of this horrifying incident, we urge community members to exercise vigilance," CIJA said.

Quebec's public security minister, Ian Lafreniere, said "people should not be going out".

"We're on the ground, and the crisis unit is being set up," Lafreniere told reporters.

"For now, we don't really know what the motive of this individual was," he added.

Quebec Premier Christine Frechette said she was "deeply shaken by the tragic events that occurred today in the Côte-des-Neiges area".

"It is essential to allow the authorities to do their work and to avoid speculation," added Frechette.

Police said the incident began shortly before midday.

Police swarmed the apparent scene of the shooting and a police helicopter flew overhead.

The area area includes a supermarket, shops and a residential building.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)