Dublin Civil Defence members helped Krakow victims

Members of the Dublin Civil Defence branch rushed to help victims who were shot during the attack in Krakow in Poland this afternoon.

A gunman shooting randomly from a car killed four women and two men in the main square of the southern Polish city of Krakow at around 3pm Irish time.

Sixteen people were injured in the attack, including two police officers.

Six of the Dublin Civil Defence volunteers are on a city break in the Polish city and were close to where the shooting happened in the historic Main Market Square.

Civil Defence Officer James McConnell told RTÉ News how his colleagues assisted those who were injured in the shooting rampage.

He explained how Civil Defence volunteers are trained to provide medical care and they immediately sought to help injured people, providing "CPR and hemorrhage control".

He said at first when the shots were fired in the city, they thought it was just fireworks.

"They sought shelter," he said once they realised what was unfolding.

Once the suspect had fled the scene and they felt it was safe, "they kicked into action," he said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee were among the European politicians who have offered their condolences to the victims of what has been described as a terror attack.

Mr Martin said: "Shocked by the mass shooting in Kraków's main square that left at least six dead and many injured, including police officers.

"Our thoughts are with the Polish people, the victims, their families & friends, and first responders following this callous attack on a busy Saturday."

Minister McEntee said the Irish embassy in Warsaw is monitoring developments in Krakow.

She said any Irish citizens in the area should follow the directions of local authorities.

She said she was "shocked by news of a drive-by shooting this afternoon" and said her thoughts were with the "loved ones of the victims and all who were injured".