At least ten people died when an gunman opened fire in Graz, southeastern Austria, on Tuesday. The shooting took place in Dreierschützengasse high school in what is the country’s second biggest city.

Graz Mayor Elke Kahr confirmed that several students were among the killed. Local media reported that at least nine students hade been killed and the shooter had also killed himself.

The media reports also added that the shooter was either a student or a former student of the school.

According to reports, at least 30 people were also injured in the incident and are currently being treated in the hospital.

Chancellor Christian Stocker has called the attack a national tragedy that “strikes our country right at its heart”.

A large scale operation was launched by the police after the shooting was reported. The government is expected to make an official statement later in the day.

School shootings are rare in Europe. However, Austrian gun laws are more liberal that that of its neighbours.