Suspected Strasbourg Xmas market shooter killed by police

Cherif Chekatt, who is suspected of killing three people and injuring about a dozen at the Strasbourg Christmas Market, was shot dead during a police operation on Thursday evening, the BFM TV channel said citing a source close to the investigation.

According to the report, the suspected gunman was killed in Neudorf, a neighborhood in the south of the city. Earlier media reports said a police operation began in the area.

The source told BFM that the man was spotted by a female resident of Neudorf, who immediately reported to the police. When a group of officers came to detain him, the suspect started shooting at them and was killed when police returned fire.

Footage from the area, aired by BFM, showed local residents applauding to officers after learning the news.

Shortly after, the information was confirmed by French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner, who is now in Strasbourg.

"Three officers identified Chekatt and wanted to detain him, but he opened fire and was killed when police returned fire," the minister said at a news conference, aired by BFM. "Now, Strasbourg can return back to normal life."

On Tuesday evening, 29-year-old resident of Strasbourg, Cherif Chekatt, opened fire at people visiting the Christmas Market in the heart of Strasbourg. As a result, three people were killed and 13 injured. Later in the day, Chekatt was spotted by a military patrol, but managed to flee.

According to media reports, Chekatt was possibly angered by an attempt to detain him on Tuesday morning in connection with a robbery and attempted murder case. The 48-hour police operation to detain the suspected terrorist involved over 700 law-enforcement officers.