It has previously been reported that there were 24 children among those killed, and that 12 people were injured. Hospitals in the area are asking for blood donors to help the injured. A man armed with a shotgun, pistol and knife stormed a kindergarten in Nongbua Lamphu, in the north of the country. The police say the perpetrator is a former police officer, who lost his job after a drug test last year. The man had a court appearance today because of his drug use. Rescue workers stand around what is supposed to be the body of the perpetrator. Photo: ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA / Reuters He is said to have been angry when he arrived at the nursery and did not find his child there. A spokesperson for the police, Paisan Luesomboon, tells the TV channel ThaiPBS. The police chief in the country, Damrongsak Kittiprapat, described the sequence of events to the press on Thursday afternoon. – Some of the staff were eating lunch outside the nursery. The perpetrator parked his car, shot and killed all four. He says the person then kicked in the door and started attacking the children with a knife. The shooting happened near a kindergarten in Nongbua Lamphu, in the north of the country. Damrongsak tells AFP that the gun that was used had been bought privately legally, and was therefore not a police weapon. Alleged to have shot himself The perpetrator is said to have then driven on his way and gone home, according to the police. On the way, he is said to have continued to shoot and run down several people. Paweena Purichan tells AFP that she saw him in a collision when she was on her way to work on her motorbike. – He drove into a motorcycle and two people were injured. I picked up the speed to get away, she says, according to the agency. – There was blood everywhere. The entrance to the kindergarten in the village of Uthai Sawan. Photo: ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA / Reuters At home, the perpetrator allegedly killed his wife and son, and then took his own life. This is one of the deadliest mass shootings in Thailand ever, according to AFP. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha sends his condolences to the relatives and asks all available crews to take care of the wounded. He writes on Facebook that the police have been asked to launch an immediate investigation. – Great Britain stands with Thailand British Prime Minister Liz Truss sends statements of support to the Thai people. On Twitter she writes: I am shocked to hear about the terrible events in Thailand this morning. My thoughts are with the relatives and with the aid workers. The UK is with Thailand at this difficult time. – The UK is with Thailand in this difficult time, writes British Prime Minister Liz Truss in this Twitter message. Photo: Screenshot Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also sends condolences on behalf of Australia on Twitter.
ttn-69