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A shooting has left two people dead in the centre of Auckland, New Zealand, hours before the city is due to open the Fifa Women's World Cup, reports BBC.
Six other people, including police officers, were injured and the gunman is also dead after the incident at 07:22 on a construction site in the central business district.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the attack was not being seen as an act of terrorism.
The tournament would go ahead as planned, he said.
The public, he added, could be assured police had neutralised the threat and there was no ongoing risk after the incident on Queen Street.
No political or ideological motive for the attack had been identified, he said.
The gunman, he said, had been armed with a pump-action shotgun.
According to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, all Fifa personnel and football teams are safe and have been accounted for.
"I can't remember anything like this ever happening in our beautiful city. This morning's events have been tragic and distressing for all Aucklanders, as this is not something that we are used to," Mr Brown said on Twitter.
Meanwhile, Fifa expressed its "deepest condolences" to the victims' families and said it was in communication with New Zealand authorities.
"The participating teams in close proximity to this incident are being supported in relation to any impact that may have taken place," it said.
The opening match is to be held between New Zealand and Norway in the city's Eden Park.
The ninth Women's World Cup is being co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.
Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul
