Investigations continue as Briton among six killed in Poland mass shooting

The suspected gunman was believed to have been inspired by “far-right ideologies” and remains in hospital after being shot by police

Four women and two men were killed in the attack when a gunman opened fire in Krakow’s Main Square on Saturday afternoon, including one British citizen.

Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said another three bodies were found at the home of the gunman in a city about 93 miles from Krakow.

On Sunday morning, Polish police confirmed those three victims had been identified as the alleged gunman’s parents and 21-year-old sister.

In a press conference on Saturday night, Polish police commander-in-chief Marek Boron said: “There are 16 people injured including two police officers and the perpetrator himself – 11 of those are Polish citizens, five citizens of foreign countries.

“There are six fatalities, four women and two men – three Polish persons, one citizen of Great Britain and two persons who are not yet identified.”

“We are undertaking activities at the place where the perpetrator lived, so I think we will know more what those investigations bring.”

As it emerged that a British citizen was among the dead, Prime Minister Andy Burnham paid tribute to the victims of the attack.

Mr Burnham said: “I’m shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting in Krakow today.

“My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence.

“The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland.”

The suspect has not yet been identified, but has been confirmed by authorities to be a 25-year-old Polish man.

The Polish interior minister Marcin Kierwinski said the attacker held “very radical views” and “was fascinated by far-right ideologies”.

The gunman opened fire in Krakow’s Main Square, in the centre of the old town, at around 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon with an automatic weapon.

He drove to multiple spots in the square, opening fire at each, authorities said.

He was later shot and wounded during a gunfight with officers and taken to hospital for surgery.

Jonathan Balshaw, from Ipswich, was outside Mary’s Basilica in the square with his girlfriend when the attack started.

“We ran down the side of the church and through the side door and hid with several other people until the gunfire died down,” he told the BBC.

“A lot of shots were fired, more than 20 with it sounding like multiple different firearms – there were two distinctly different noises.”

Polish defence minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz called Saturday’s fatal shooting an “act of terror” on the people of Krakow.

The FCDO is advising British nationals in Krakow to “follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media”.

In a statement, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said: “The UK Government deeply mourns the British national and other victims who have died after the appalling attack in Krakow.

“All of my deepest condolences go to the families of the victims. The UK stands resolutely in solidarity with the people of Poland.”

Krakow mayor Lukasz Gibala said in a post on X the city would observe a period of mourning until November 11.

Published: 08/11/2026 by Radio NewsHub