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Gunman kills himself after massacre at nursery left dozens dead in Thailand

More than 30 people are believed to have been killed in a gun and knife attack on a pre-school in Thailand.

The attacker was believed to still be at large, but reports in Thai media now suggest he has killed himself.

Officials believe the gunman to be an ex-officer and say at least 23 children are among the 34 dead.

Two teachers and a police officers are also thought to have been killed after the man stormed a nursery in the northeast of the country earlier, police said.

Achayon Kraithong, a spokesman for national police, said the incident happened in Nong Bua Lam Phu province.

Pictures shows blankets covering bodies inside the venue.

Police Major General Achayon Kraithong said the gunman opened fire early in the afternoon in the center in the town of Nongbua Lamphu.

At least 31 people have been killed according to the police spokesperson, but that total has been revised up throughout the morning.

A spokesperson for a regional public affairs office contradicted that account, by saying 26 deaths have been confirmed so far — including 23 children, two teachers and one police officer.

The prime minister has alerted all agencies to take action and apprehend the culprit, a government spokesperson said earlier, before reports that the attacker had killed himself emerged.

The rate of gun ownership in Thailand is high compared with some other countries in the region but official figures do not include huge numbers of illegal weapons, many of which have been brought in across the borders over the years from strife-torn neighbours.

Mass shootings are rare but in 2020, a soldier angry over a property deal gone sour killed at least 29 people and wounded 57 in a rampage that spanned four locations.

This is a breaking news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.

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