‘Firing on a crowded group of families’: How Bondi terror attack that killed 12 unfolded

Warning: Sad.

It turned out that the first shots in the horrific massacre at Bondi Beach were aimed at crowded families.

At least 12 people, including children and one of the attackers, died, while dozens of people were taken to hospitals across Sydney, including Sydney Children’s Hospital.

There are also 2 police officers among the injured.

One of the armed attackers was shot dead, while the other was shot and is in custody and is in critical condition.

While police were investigating a suspected IED or improvised explosive device at the scene, police were given an unconfirmed report that this device had been placed under the footbridge.

As of 23.20, it was reported that an IED was seized at the scene.

How did the massacre happen?

Families gathered for Hanukkah by the Sea on Sunday, which started around 5 p.m. and was scheduled to last until 9 p.m.

But in less than two hours, the attackers opened fire, killing at least 12 people and wounding nearly 30 others.

NSW Premier Chris Minns confirmed the massacre began around 6.47pm.

“Two men began shooting at a large group of families at Bondi Beach in Archer Park,” Mr Minns told a news conference.

While the video captured people running from the beach, another video showed two men, one of whom appeared to be armed with a shotgun, shooting towards the beach.

Emergency services rushed to Campbell Parade shortly afterwards, with helicopters, intensive care paramedics and special operations paramedics among those called to attend to the victims.

Police said a vehicle believed to contain “several improvised explosive devices” was found in Campbell Parade shortly after the incident.

An exclusion zone was in place until 9 p.m.

The massacre was declared a terrorist incident at around 21.36.

Mr Lanyon confirmed police were given special powers in the event of a third shooter.

There is currently no indication of a third shooter.

“This kind of shameful activity, this wanton use of violence, this taking of innocent lives is unacceptable,” Mr Lanyon said.

The street where one of the alleged attackers lived was also cordoned off by police.

Mr Minns, Mr Lanyon, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and ASIO chief Mike Burgess spoke to the media late on Sunday evening.

Mr Burgess confirmed during the press conference that Australia’s threat rating will remain probable, meaning there is a 50 per cent chance of a terrorist act.

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