Manhunt as three police officers killed in eastern Canada shooting
Royal Canadian Mounted Police search for 24-year-old suspect wearing military camouflage and wielding two guns
A desperate search was under way in the normally tranquil east coast city of Moncton for a heavily armed gunman dressed like Rambo who shot dead three Canadian federal police and wounded two others before he escaped.
Justin Bourque, 24, was seen in three different places around Moncton, the latest instance after daybreak yesterday, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commander Marlene Snowman said.
Heavily armed RCMP officers are combing streets and woods in search of Bourque, who was wearing military camouflage and carrying two rifles in a picture released by police on Twitter. Schools as well as some businesses, shops and public services stayed shut as the manhunt continued in this city of 70,000 where the streets were largely deserted.
Police have commandeered armoured trucks and told residents to stay indoors.
"Stay home, stay safe. If you cannot get home, seek out a friend or family and remain there until you are advised otherwise," Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said.
RCMP Constable Damien Theriault choked up with emotion as he described how police responded to a call at 7.30pm on Wednesday.