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Child aged five among victims of car ramming in Vancouver - as death toll predicted to rise

Sarah Edmilao, a member of the Filipino community
Picture: Alamy

By Flaminia Luck

A five-year-old child is believed to be one of the 11 people killed after a vehicle was driven into a crowd in Vancouver.

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Police warn the death toll could yet rise after crowds celebrating Filipino culture were mown down on Saturday night.

A 30-year-old man who has had widespread dealings with police and mental health officials remains under arrest.

Authorities confirmed they're confident the incident was not an act of terrorism.

Acting police chief, Steve Rai, said the victims are aged between five and 65, at a press conference.

He added dozens more have been injured, some critically, and some who have not yet been identified.

A car drove into a crowd of people during the Lapu Lapu Festival
Picture: Getty

The incident was during the annual Lapu Lapu festival - named after the national hero of the Philippines.

It's believed there were "a few thousand" people in attendance.

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The event was coming to a close when a vehicle suddenly ploughed into the pedestrian-only area.

Social media videos show ambulances and police vehicles at the scene at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser.

CANADA-CRIME-CAR-PHILIPPINES
Picture: Getty

'Profoundly saddened'

The King and Queen said they were "profoundly saddened" following the incident.

The statement from the King says: "Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada.

"Charles R."

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on X: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the terrible events at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu festival last night.

"Our thoughts are with all of those affected, their families and loved ones."