MONCTON, N.B. -- The RCMP says three of its officers were killed in Moncton, N.B., by a man armed with guns and two other officers were injured as the Mounties conducted a manhunt across the city's north end on Wednesday night for the shooter.
The RCMP tweeted that three of its officers were "mortally wounded" and police spokesman Paul Greene confirmed that they are dead.
Greene said the two RCMP officers who were taken to hospital suffered non life-threatening injuries.
The RCMP said on Twitter that they were looking for 24-year-old Justin Bourque of Moncton. Police tweeted an image of a suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns.
Const. Damien Theriault said police were urging people in the area to stay inside their homes and lock their doors. Drivers were also asked to stay out of the area.
"We're advising people to stay inside until further notice," Theriault said.
Shortly before midnight, police said they believed the suspect was at large in the Pinehurst subdivision area of the city.
Police had a number of roads in the city blocked and traffic was backed up on major arteries across Moncton.
The RCMP released its first information on the shooting at about 9:15 p.m. through Twitter.
It confirmed the deaths of the three officers on Twitter at 11 p.m., tweeting: "3 officers mortally wounded by shooter. 2 officers sustained non life threatening injuries. Shooter still actively sought."
Sean Gallacher, who lives near the area where police were concentrating their search, said he heard what he now believes were gunshots but initially thought his daughter had dropped some toys on the floor above him.
"I was downstairs and heard a few bangs," said Gallacher, 35.
"I went to check but she hadn't dropped anything. Then I heard the news and realized what it actually was."
The Horizon Health Network, the province's largest health authority, said on its Twitter feed that two patients were taken to the Moncton Hospital with gunshot wounds and it was limiting access to the health centre.
"TMH is restricting visitors to those with critically ill family members. All others are asked to refrain from visiting at this time," the health board said in a tweet.
Premier David Alward offered his thoughts and prayers to those affected by the shooting.
"I was shocked and saddened to learn of tonight's tragic situation in Moncton," he said in a statement.
Federal Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney tweeted that he was also "shocked by the tragedy" in Moncton and that his "Thoughts and prayers with our frontline @rcmpgrcpolice officers and families."
