The police were alerted to loud bangs near Vaksala Square shortly after 5 pm on Tuesday – a few blocks from the train station and the shopping center Kvarnen, where many people are on the move at that time of day.
We found three deceased persons on site. They have not been identified, so no relatives have been informed, says police spokesperson Maria Hall to TT.
The police do not want to comment on the gender or age of the murder victims pending identification.
Among residents in the surrounding area, the mood is subdued during the evening. The area where the incident occurred is described as quiet and considered safe by the residents.
It's so uncomfortable when it happens so close, says a woman who lives a few blocks from the crime scene, to TT's reporter on site.
Gathering witness statements
TT's photographer reports that it was quiet at the cordon at 8:30 pm. A few curious onlookers had gathered, witnesses were being interviewed, and police cars were scattered around the cordoned-off area.
A number of witness statements have been collected during the evening.
We have information about a person on an electric bicycle who left the scene, if anyone has information about this, please contact us. But it should be said that it is unclear what connection this person has to the incident, says Maria Hall.
A helicopter has participated in the search for the perpetrator or perpetrators. The police have also conducted door-to-door inquiries in the area during the evening and initiated a special event due to the fatal shootings to free up resources.
On the street outside the hair salon where the shooting took place, something lies on the ground – according to TT's photographer, it looks like cartridges.
We have been there and documented the crime scene, says Hall, who does not want to confirm any potential finds.
Strömmer: Extremely serious
Several police officers were already on site in the city ahead of Wednesday's Walpurgis Eve celebrations, police officers who are now also working to create a sense of security.
We also have Walpurgis Eve in Uppsala – preparations for Walpurgis, it's a big day for the people of Uppsala, says police spokesperson Magnus Jansson Klarin.
Based on what has emerged so far, the police assessment is that it is an "isolated incident" and that there is therefore no danger to the general public.
Due to the secrecy of the preliminary investigation, we cannot go into exactly what has emerged, says Maria Hall.
Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer (M) states in a written statement to TT that a "brutal act of violence has occurred in central Uppsala".
"What has happened is extremely serious. The police are on site and an intensive investigation is underway. The Ministry of Justice is in close contact with the police and is closely following the development of the situation", he writes.
