A brazen daylight shooting in Montreal has left three dead, triggering immediate alerts across UK counter-terrorism agencies. Sources confirm the attack occurred in the city's downtown core at approximately 2:30 pm local time, with witnesses reporting multiple gunshots from a moving vehicle. Police have cordoned off a four-block radius, and a suspect is believed to be at large.
While Canadian authorities have not yet confirmed a motive, Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism officials in London have been placed on heightened readiness. 'We are in direct contact with our Canadian counterparts,' an MI5 source told this desk. 'They have not ruled out international connections.
' The victims, whose identities are being withheld pending family notification, were reportedly struck outside a café popular with university students. One senior anti-terror investigator described the scenario as 'eerily reminiscent' of the 2017 Finsbury Park attack. Documented intelligence suggests Montreal's growing status as a hub for radicalised lone actors, with at least three foiled plots in the past two years.
The UK's threat level remains at 'substantial,' but Whitehall insiders confirm an emergency COBRA meeting has been scheduled for this evening. No group has yet claimed responsibility, but officials are scouring social media for claims. The shooting comes just days after a leaked Home Office assessment warned of 'evolving tactics' by extremists targeting soft civilian locations.
Meanwhile, Montreal's mayor has declared a state of emergency, and armed police are conducting door-to-door searches. The British Foreign Office has issued an advisory for UK nationals in Canada to remain vigilant. One former Scotland Yard counter-terror chief, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: 'This has all the hallmarks of a coordinated attack.
The choice of time and place is almost textbook.' As of now, no UK citizens are among the casualties, but the embassy is confirming details. The investigation is being led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with the Sûreté du Québec also involved.
This is a developing story, and we will bring you more as we get it.
