Several people shot in Swedish shooting

Police in Sweden have said a “suspected serious crime of violence,” is underway at an education institute in the centre of the country.

At least 10 people have been killed at a school in Sweden in what is being described as an “extremely serious” incident.

Social media posts from the scene show students crowding under tables as alarms in classrooms go off.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said it was “a terrible act of violence”, and police confirmed that “around 10” people were dead.

No children are among those injured or killed, authorities have said.

Swedish police surrounded an educational institution in Orebro, a city 200km east of Stockholm in the centre of the country, on Tuesday morning.

The shooting occurred at 12.30pm local time (10.30pm AEST) at the Risbergska School in the south of the city of 150,000 people.

Police officers are seen at the Risbergska School in Orebro, Sweden, on February 4, 2025, following reports of a serious violent crime. (Photo by Kicki NILSSON / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP)

“A suspected serious crime of violence,” had occurred, Police said in a statement.

“This is currently seen as an attempted murder, arson and aggravated weapons offence.”

Risbergska School contains a number of schools within it. The BBC has reported the incident happened at a komvux, a school for people who did not finish either primary or high school. It is primarily attended by adults but younger people can also be enrolled.

A police helicopter flies over the sky at the Risbergska School in Orebro, Sweden. (Photo by Kicki NILSSON / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP)

Members of the emergengy services work at the scene of the Risbergska School in Orebro, Sweden. (Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP)

‘Not clear’ if deaths

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet initially reported that “several people are dead”.

Another paper, Expressen, reported that the gunman shot himself and is dead.

A social media post reportedly from inside a classroom.

Students can be seen hidings under tables,

Students hide under tables

Teacher Maria Pegado told Reuters that the incident occurred just after lunch.

“I took all my 15 students out into the hallway and we started running,” she said.

“Then I heard two shots, but we made it out. We were close to the school entrance.

“I saw people dragging injured out, first one, then another. I realised it was very serious”.

Social media posts from the scene have shown students crouching on the floor and under tables in classrooms as red lights and sirens blare.

A police vehicle is seen near the Risbergska School building in Orebro, Sweden. (Photo by Kicki NILSSON / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP) / Sweden OUT

Shooter’s father speaks

Aftonbladet is reporting that the suspected shooter’s father has spoken and has said he knows nothing of the incident.

“I don’t know anything about that,” he said when the newspaper reached him.

“This is so disturbing. What happened?”

“It must be impossible,” he added.

The head of the local police district Roberto Eid Forest attends a press conference. (Photo by Pontus LUNDAHL / TT NEWS AGENCY / AFP) / Sweden OUT

‘Terrible act of violence’

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, local time, Police said they believed the situation was under control.

“We housed students and staff at several schools because we did not really know the perpetrator or the perpetrators’ next steps and whether there were more attacks in the works,” Police said.

“We no longer believe that and have begun an evacuation. However, we do not want the public or other people at the scene, the operation is still ongoing”.

Sweden’s justice minister Gunnar Strommer said: “The government is in close contact with the police, and is closely following developments”.

“The information about the violent attack in Orebro is extremely serious”.

PM Kristersson said it was a “painful day for all Sweden”.

“It is with sadness that I have received information about the terrible act of violence in Örebro. My thoughts are with those who have been affected and their relatives.

“My thoughts are also with all those whose normal school day was replaced with terror. Being confined to a classroom with fear for your own life is a nightmare that no one should have to experience.”

Mass shootings are rare in Sweden. The country places limits on firearms ownership. To own a firearm, Swedes have to pass a hunting exam or be part of a shooting club, show a need for a gun and be of good character to posses one.

Nonetheless, 2.3 million guns are legally owned in Sweden putting it in one of the higher per capita firearms owning nations.

In Europe, Sweden has one of the highest gun murder rates. Chiefly these murders occur due to drug dealing and murders within gangs.