Florida shooting: Two dead, up to 16 wounded, in teen nightclub attack

Two people have been killed and up to 16 more injured in a shooting at a nightclub in Fort Myers, Florida, police have said. 

Three people have been arrested in connection with the shooting. It is unclear who they were but local officers have said they are working to determine what the motivation was. 

The attack began at 00.30 local time (04.30 GMT) on Monday at the Club Blu nightclub on Evans Avenue, Fort Myers. The bar was hosting a teen-night and many youngsters are feared to be among those shot. Police said injuries "ranged from minor to life-threatening". A number had been taken to hospital and "several victims [were] suffering from gunshot wounds". 

Police said there was one other crime scene - a nearby house that was sprayed with bullets. One person was there suffered a minor injury. The area was "deemed safe" although roads in the vicinity were closed as the investigation continues.

One witness told local broadcaster WINK the scene at the club was like a "mad house".

The mother of one of the teens at the club said her child was "dodging bullets and running dropping between cars" to escape from the attack. Syreeta Gary told Fox News: "I just thank God that my daughter is OK because she could have been shot,"

She added: "It's ridiculous that these kids have to go through this, they can't enjoy themselves because you have other people there who have criminalistic minds - they just want to terrorise things. I'm just glad she's OK." 

The attack comes six weeks after another shooting in a nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details are verified.

 

related articles
The still small voice: How to listen for God in our broken world
The still small voice: How to listen for God in our broken world

The still small voice: How to listen for God in our broken world

How to pray after a devastating week
How to pray after a devastating week

How to pray after a devastating week

Baton Rouge: Calls for week of prayer and fasting after more fatal shootings
Baton Rouge: Calls for week of prayer and fasting after more fatal shootings

Baton Rouge: Calls for week of prayer and fasting after more fatal shootings

Terror in Munich: Nine dead in lone-wolf attack

Terror in Munich: Nine dead in lone-wolf attack

News
Lib Dems to investigate treatment of the faithful as Campanale case rumbles on
Lib Dems to investigate treatment of the faithful as Campanale case rumbles on

The Liberal Democrats have begun a review into how it treats people of faith within the party.

Trump urged to raise case of persecuted pastor with Xi
Trump urged to raise case of persecuted pastor with Xi

Pastor John Cao has been released from prison, but is barred from leaving China.

Open Doors UK and Ireland announces death of former CEO
Open Doors UK and Ireland announces death of former CEO

Eddie Lyle joined Open Doors in 2005.

Third of young people now turning to AI for friendship, research finds
Third of young people now turning to AI for friendship, research finds

Although teenagers want real-world connections, they are increasingly turning to AI companions.