At least 12 people were killed and 29 others injured in the shooting, including two police officers and a child when gunmen fire on a festival at Bondi Beach

Harrowing footage captured the moment hundreds of people ran for their lives on Bondi Beach, after gunmen opened fire during what police have confirmed was a terrorist attack.

In the footage, a steady stream of gunshots can be heard ringing out across the beach as crowds scatter in panic. People can be heard screaming as they flee the area, with police sirens wailing in the background while officers rush towards the scene.

The attack unfolded at around 6.47pm local time on Sunday in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach, where more than a thousand people had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. New South Wales Police said two individuals armed with guns opened fire on families attending the Jewish celebration on the first day of the festival of lights.

At least 12 people were killed and 29 others injured in the shooting, including two police officers. One of the alleged gunmen was shot dead at the scene, while the other is in police custody.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the incident as a targeted antisemitic attack, telling a press conference that what should have been a peaceful and joyful evening had been “shattered by this horrifying evil attack”.

He said the shooting was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community and praised the bravery of police and members of the public who helped others escape despite the danger.

Police later declared the incident a terrorist attack and confirmed that several improvised explosive devices were found in a vehicle linked to the deceased gunman on Campbell Parade, close to the beach. Bomb disposal units were deployed as a precaution while officers worked to rule out the involvement of any further suspects.

Malcolm Lanyon, commissioner of New South Wales Police, said those taken to hospital were in a range of conditions, some serious, and urged calm in the wake of the attack as investigations continue.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism”, saying an attack on Jewish Australians was an attack on the entire nation.

Authorities have asked anyone with information or footage of the incident to contact police as enquiries remain ongoing.