Cumbrian gunman found dead

A number of people have been killed and others injured after a gunman opened fire in several areas of west Cumbria.

Police have just located a body believed to be that of Derrick Bird in a wooded area near Boot.

The BBC reported Cumbrian Police were searching for the suspect, named as Derrick Bird, after shots were fired in Whitehaven, Seascale and Egremont.

Detectives said he drove into the central Lakes in a Citroen Picasso before abandoning it in the Boot area.

People who live nearby were being urged to stay indoors for their own protection.

"Our focus is now on the movements of Mr Bird this morning - we believe there are a number of fatalities and injuries," said police in a statement. "Our thoughts are with the families in these tragic times. We are asking for any witnesses to come forward and help us with our investigation into the events of this morning.

"Police are asking those who were sheltering to now go about their normal day to day activities and would like to thank them for their patience in incredibly difficult circumstances. Please be aware there are a number of crime scenes across the county and we would ask for people's patince whilst we conduct our investigations."

• Cumbrian Police Statement here. A police helpline number 0800 0960095 has been set up for concerned relatives of those involved in this incident.