Upload video Video is not available The video will play automatically soon8Cancel Play now South Carolina: Police report shooting at a mall Several people were injured in the shooting inside a US mall, police confirmed. Local police forces in Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, say several people have been injured amid reports of gunfire around 2:30 p.m. local time (7:30 p.m. UK time). The Columbiana Center on Harbison Avenue is being evacuated as police search the area for the perpetrator. Columbia Deputy Police Chief Melron Kelly told reporters that many people were shot but there were no casualties. Eight people have been transported for medical treatment. “Officers go from store to store and closet to closet looking for someone with a gun,” said Deputy Chief Kelly. He added that some people may have been injured in the rush to leave the mall. Are you a witness to this incident? Let us know at [email protected] The scene at Columbiana Center shopping center where shots were reported Reports on social media indicate that up to 13 people have been injured in the shootings, although this has not been confirmed by authorities. Some employees of the mall have been called to stay inside, while the police arrange for an escort outside. A mall security guard, J. Canty, said staff were concentrated near Belk. It is believed that the shooter or shooters could still be inside the center somewhere and the lockdown could last for hours, he told The State. Cindy Paris Reckenwald and her daughter Rachel were in the supermarket when the shooting started and mom initially hid under a table. Ms Rectenwald told the post that they thought it was raining that hit the glass roof at first and then saw people running towards them. He described seeing people “screaming and shouting” as they ran to the food court exit doors. Eight people have been transferred for treatment The couple lost each other in the crowd and Mrs. Reckenwald entered under a table, but when she located her daughter they nodded to “come” and went out. He said the gun sounded like an automatic weapon. The police department wrote on Twitter: “We have confirmed that people were injured during the incident – they are receiving medical assistance. The extent of the injuries is unknown at this time. “If you need to pick up loved ones, the reunion area is 320 Columbiana Drive – Fairfield Inn. We are working on a transportation option to transport people who may still be close to the mall in the reunion area.” They added that “law enforcement teams have strategically taken care of the Columbiana Center.” He added: “There are no other reports of injuries.” Some mall employees were told to take refuge until police escorted them. The employees of the shopping center “had said to be housed in a safe place” will be taken out of the law enforcement authorities and have been warned: “DO NOT leave a store until the competent authorities inform it”. The car park has been closed as dozens of emergency vehicles arrived. An ambulance was spotted leaving the area around 3 p.m. A Twitter user said: “Prayers for those in the Columbiana Mall.” Another added: “I was having such a good day until I got a call that someone shot at Columbiana Mall. “My girlfriend had to run to be saved to get out of there and I’m so happy she did, but the victims …” A spokesman for the Ritland County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were on the scene to assist in “an incident.” read more The heat of Easter sees the willing Britons picking up beaches and enjoying the sun with a high 22 degrees Celsius read more US Air Force plane spotted off the English coast over the North Sea on a “special air mission”
