At least 10 dead in mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach

At least 10 people, including a gunman, have died following a shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Sunday night, police in the state of New South Wales (NSW) confirmed. The incident occurred at the iconic beach in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

The state's ambulance service said that 16 people had been taken to hospital, with several others treated at the scene.

A second gunman was among those hospitalized, and at least two police officers sustained injuries during the response.

Nine Network television reported that as many as 20 people had been shot.

The shooting took place at approximately 6:40 p.m. local time when at least two armed men opened fire on a crowd. The area was hosting a Hanukkah celebration earlier in the evening, with many members of the Jewish community gathered for the Festival of Lights.

Police issued a public warning shortly before 7 p.m., advising members of the public to avoid the area and urging those at the scene to take shelter.

Video footage and photographs from the scene showed people fleeing from the beach and firearms visible on the ground.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that the scenes at Bondi are "shocking," and NSW Premier Chris Minns described the incident as deeply distressing.

The attack comes almost exactly 11 years after a lone gunman took 18 people hostage at the Lindt Cafe in Sydney. Two hostages and the gunman were killed after a 16-hour standoff.

Sussan Ley, the leader of Australia's opposition Liberal party, said the loss of life in the incident was "significant."

"Australians are in deep mourning tonight, with hateful violence striking at the heart of an iconic Australian community, a place we all know so well and love, Bondi," she said.

(With input from agencies)