Twelve people have been killed and dozens more injured in a horror mass shooting at Bondi Beach targeting Sydney's Jewish community that has been declared a terror attack by police.
Shortly before 7pm (AEDT), two gunmen opened fire on the popular beach while a Jewish event was being held at the beach on what is the first day of Hanukkah.
"This cowardly act of terrifying violence was designed to target Sydney's Jewish community," NSW Premier Chris Minns said.
LIVE UPDATES: Twelve dead after terror attack at Bondi Beach
"On the first day of Hanukkah, what should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack."
Dozens of people were shot in what is Australia's worst shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre, 12 of whom have died.
One of the shooters has died, while the other is critically injured and in police custody. There had been reports that there may have been a third shooter, but police later clarified that there were only two gunmen.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said all Australians stand with the Jewish community following the attack.
"This... act of evil, antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation," he said.
READ MORE: Witnesses recall moment shooters open fire at Bondi Beach
"An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be, like me, devastated about this attack on our way of life.
"There is no place for this hate, violence and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear we will eradicate it."
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has declared the shooting a terror attack.
Both he and ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess confirmed one of the shooters was known to authorities, but he was not considered an immediate threat.
Following the shooting, police found a car on Campbell Parade which is believed to contain several improvised explosives.
READ MORE: Albanese says 'justice will be done' after 'evil' attack at Bondi Beach
Those devices were later safely removed by police. Police had previously warned a footbridge used by the shooters may have had explosives hidden on it.
In addition to the 12 people killed, at least 29 more people have been injured, including two police officers – both of whom were taken into surgery in a critical condition – as well as young children.
Bystanders were seen using surfboards to take the injured from the beach when stretchers weren't at hand.
READ MORE: What we know about the Bondi Beach shooting
"I saw children, I saw an elderly woman," 9News reporter Damien Ryan said from the scene.
"Families there, little children wounded, blood all over them."
The sheer number of injuries has meant the wounded have been taken to hospitals all over Sydney, from nearby Prince of Wales and St Vincent's to Westmead in the city's west and St George in the south.
READ MORE: Hero sneaks up on Bondi Beach gunman, wrestles weapon from him
Footage from the scene showed hundreds, if not thousands, of beachgoers fleeing Bondi as gunshots rang out.
Vision also captured the moment a good Samaritan snuck up on one of the gunmen, tackling him from behind and wrestling his gun off him.
The man then turned the weapon on the attacker, holding it at him as the man stumbled backwards, holding up his hand as he scrambled away.
The heroic man did not fire the gun but signalled for assistance.
READ MORE: 'An absolute massacre': Man injured in Bondi Beach shooting tells of chaos
"We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others," Albanese said.
"These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives."
While the shooting was declared a terror attack, Burgess said the overall terror threat level was unlikely to be raised from "probable".
"The national terrorism threat level is under constant review," he said in explaining the decision.
"One incident by itself does not necessarily raise the threat level at a national level, but we keep that under constant review."
Police have asked witnesses to provide them with any vision of the incident via this link.
The Jewish Council of Australia said it was horrified and shaken by the mass shooting, noting the first night of Hanukkah is a moment when friends and loved ones gather together.
"To be confronted with this horrific act of antisemitic violence during the Jewish festival of light and hope is shattering," executive officer Sarah Schwartz said.
"In moments like this, we hold each other close."
"We should all be able to gather with our communities, practice our culture, and worship in safety," fellow executive officer Bart Shteinman added.
"Our hearts are with our friends, family, fellow community members and everyone impacted by this terrifying event."
The Australian National Imams Council was also quick to condemn the attack.
"These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society," it said in a statement.
"Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.
"Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who witnessed or were affected by this deeply traumatic attack.
"We acknowledge the pain, fear, and distress felt across the community and extend our sincere compassion and support to all who are grieving.
"We urge the community to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and support one another during this challenging time."
DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.