Five people were shot dead in a mass shooting at a gay club

A gunman opened fire at a gay club in Colorado Springs, killing five and injuring 18.

Witnesses said revelers helped “overwhelm” the attacker before he was arrested and taken into custody.

The violence erupted just before midnight at Club Q – an “adult gay and lesbian nightclub that hosts themed nights including karaoke, drag shows and DJs”.

Footage shared on social media shows a massive police force and emergency response, with ambulances lining the streets outside the club.

Lt. Pamela Castro of the Colorado Springs Police Department confirmed this morning that the shooting took place at Club Q – located on the 3400 block of N. Academy Blvd.

Authorities rushed to the scene at 11:57 p.m. after receiving multiple 911 calls Saturday night and immediately located the suspect at the bar.

An unconfirmed report claimed the suspect used a sniper rifle in the barbaric attack.

MORE: Keir Starmer reveals plan to abolish House of Lords if he becomes Prime Minister

MORE: David Bowie’s son Duncan Jones criticizes Donald Trump for using his father’s music at political rallies

MORE: Keir Starmer reveals plan to abolish House of Lords if he becomes Prime Minister

The attack comes on Transgender Remembrance Day, which is observed annually on November 20 to commemorate those who have been murdered because of transphobia.

Club Q bartender Michael Anderson has spoken out about his anxiety.

He told The Mirror: “I was afraid I was going to die. I was preparing to be shot when the shooting stopped.

“After a minute or two I wasn’t sure if it was over or not, so I got up and decided to run away. I found a man lying on the ground who was shot in the neck.’

The club released a statement online, which read: “Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with all the victims and their families and friends.

“Thank you to the quick responses of heroic customers who overwhelmed the shooter and ended this hate attack.”

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, Visit our news page.