AT LEAST 16 people have been shot dead in a shooting spree in Canada which began on Saturday.
A gunman, who initially shot and killed his ex-wife and her new boyfriend, then went on a 12-hour rampage, killing 14 others while disguised as a police officer.
The shooting started in the small town of Portapique in Nova Scotia and ended a petrol station in Enfield, 35km away.
Police identified the gunman as 51-year-old Gabriel Wortman, who is thought to have died at the conclusion of the spree.
A motive for the shootings is unclear at this moment.
Among the victims was Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable (RCMP) Heidi Stevenson, who had served as an officer for 23 years.
She leaves behind two children as well her husband.
Assistant Commissioner Lee Bergerman paid tribute to Ms Stevenson on social media.
"Heidi answered the call of duty and lost her life while protecting those she served," he wrote.
"Two children have lost their mother and a husband his wife. Parents lost their daughter and countless others lost an incredible friend and colleague."
During the 12-hour rampage, residents of Portapique had been warned by authorities via social media to stay in their homes and to keep the doors locked.
RCMP had warned that the shooter was wearing a police uniform and was driving what appeared to be a police car, but that he was not part of the force.
It's understood that he later changed cars to a silver SUV before the incident ended.
