‘Devastating’: Worst mass shooting in Canada in 30 years as 17 people confirmed dead

In the worst act of mass murder in Canada’s history, a man disguised as a police officer has gone on a rampage in the Atlantic province of Nova Scotia, killing 16 people in their homes and setting fires.

During a 12-hour killing spree on Sunday local time, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police identified the shooter as Gabriel Wortman, 51, who had also disguised his car to look like a police cruiser.

He shot and killed 16 people including a policewoman in several locations across the province.

Commanding officer of the RCMP in Nova Scotia, Lee Bergerman, said it was a devastating day for the region.

“It will remain etched in the minds for many years to come,” he said.

Constable Heidi Stevenson, a mother of two and a 23-year veteran of the force was killed. Another officer was also injured.

Police first announced that they had arrested Wortman at a service station in Enfield, outside Halifax, but later said he had died. It was not clear how, and they did not explain further.

Several bodies were found inside and outside one home in the small, rural town of Portapique, about 100 kilometres north of Halifax.

More bodies were found at other locations.

Authorities believe Wortman may have targeted his first victims but then began attacking randomly.

Overnight, police began advising residents of the town to lock their doors and stay in their basements. Several homes in the area were set on fire as well.

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