CCTV footage shows the terrifying moment a gunman in Thailand opened fire on customers in a shopping mall bloodbath, killing three people including a young child.
The shooting took place during a botched gold store robbery at a shopping mall in Lopburi, Thailand on Thursday.
The masked man shot dead a security guard followed by a young woman working at the gold store before turning his gun on the little boy as he walked hand-in-hand with his mother.
At least five others – including one tourist – were seriously injured and rushed to hospital after the bloodbath at Robinson’s store, about 100 miles north of Bangkok at around 9 pm local time (2 pm UK time).
The two staff died at the scene and the boy died later at hospital.
Police believe the masked gunman is a trained expert in firearms. The search has been suspended and will resume on Friday morning.
Police Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen said: ‘We believe the robber has been trained in the use of weapons before this.
‘Studying the gestures he made when shooting, it is unlikely to be someone who has never used guns before.
‘The equipment he had was specialized and not something that is easily acquired. The search will continue in the morning.’
Witnesses said the boy’s mother was inconsolable as she wept and cradled her child after the shooting.
Police Colonel Kritsana Pattanacharoen said the police already knew the gunman’s identity and were searching for him.
He said: ‘The police are now patrolling all areas and are looking for the man.
‘Witnesses have described his appearance and we know his identity.
‘Moreover, we sent the force to the scene inspecting evidence including the fingerprints.
‘We will take this extremely seriously and if the gunman resists the arrest the police will shoot him without hesitation.’
CCTV shows the gunman fleeing on a motorcycle before police arrived on the scene.
He is believed to have robbed a gold store inside the mall and left with valuables.
Pictures from the mall show several wounded shoppers in pools of blood.
