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Vancouver police have arrested a suspect after a vehicle drove into a large crowd on the eve of Canada’s federal election.
Several people were killed and multiple others injured as they celebrated Lapu Lapu Day, a Filipino festival, at a neighbourhood street party.
Police said the suspect was a 30-year-old Vancouver man.
It was not immediately clear whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate attack, but Vancouver police said on social media that “at this time, we are confident that this incident was not an act of terrorism”.
Canadians will vote on Monday to elect a new prime minister, with polls suggesting that Mark Carney, leader of the incumbent Liberal party, may have enough momentum for a turnaround victory.
“I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening,” said Carney. “I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured.”
The incident took place at 8.14pm local time on Saturday. Images shared on social media showed bodies on the street and a black sport utility vehicle with damage at the front.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada’s Conservative party, condemned the incident as a “senseless attack” and said: “My thoughts are with the Filipino community and all the victims.”
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the horrific incident at today’s Lapu Lapu Day event,” said the city’s mayor Ken Sim. “Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver’s Filipino community.”