Poland shooting: Surgeon who assisted wounded police officer 'undoubtedly saved his life'

Doctors rushed to help

Professor Michal Pędziwiatr was having lunch with his colleague and their families in central Krakow when they heard gunfire. The pair went to the scene to help, saying there were no ambulances or medical professionals nearby.

Pędziwiatr said his colleague used a hand to stem the most seriously injured officer’s bleeding. That allowed them to wait for an ambulance, which took the officer to hospital.

The surgeons treated the attacker as well as two officers who had been shot while subduing him. Pędziwiatr said that, as a doctor, he did not distinguish between a victim and a suspect.

Investigation focuses on terrorism

The suspect was described as wearing full military tactical gear and carrying a military-grade weapon. Police said the rampage began shortly before 15:00 local time on Saturday and lasted around three minutes.

Witnesses describe the chaos

Witnesses reported panic and confusion around the square. Some people ran without knowing where the gunman was or whether there was more than one, eventually taking shelter in a hotel.

James McConnell, an officer who was on a city break, told RTE News his group was near the main square when the shooting began. Tom Brook, from West Yorkshire, said he was inside a McDonald’s nearby when he heard several shots and saw people taking cover.

Bullets shattered shopfront glass, and a tram was shot at. The security cordon was lifted and Main Market Square reopened on Sunday evening.