At least five killed after gunmen open fire on tourists in Kashmir

At least five people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a group of tourists visiting a popular beauty spot in Indian-administered Kashmir, authorities have told the BBC.

The attack took place in Pahalgam, a picturesque town in the Himalayas often described as the “Switzerland of India”.

The region’s chief minister, Omar Abdullah, said the attack was “much larger than anything we’ve seen directed at civilians in recent years”.

Reports say a number of people were also wounded in the attack. The region’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, said army and police had been deployed to the scene.

Abdullah condemned the attack, saying: “I’m shocked beyond belief. This attack on our visitors is an abomination.”

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. There has been a long-running insurgency in the Muslim-majority region since 1989, although violence has waned in recent years.

The attack took place in Baisaran, a mountain-top meadow three miles (5km) from Pahalgam.

Video footage on social media appears to show Indian troops running towards the scene of the attack.

Police said multiple tourists had been taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. The area has been cordoned off and a search is underway to find the perpetrators.