A Scottish man has been identified as one of the six victims of a mass shooting in Krakow, Poland, that has shocked the nation. James Thomas Campbell, 32, from Prestwick in South Ayrshire, was a well-known DJ in the Ayrshire area. He died when a lone gunman opened fire in the city's Main Market Square on Saturday afternoon.
Family Supported by Police Scotland
Police Scotland has confirmed it is providing specialist support to Campbell's family, although formal identification has not yet been completed. Detective Chief Inspector David McAlinden, senior investigating officer from Police Scotland's Counter Terrorism Policing unit, said: "We are aware of the tragic death of a Scottish man in Krakow. Working in conjunction with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Police Scotland is supporting the UK counter-terrorism policing network and the Polish authorities. The immediate shared priority is to ensure that identification is properly established for the family, so that repatriation can take place as quickly as possible. The family has asked for their privacy to be respected. Our thoughts are with them and everyone impacted by this incident."
Attack in Popular Tourist Spot
The attack began shortly before 15:00 local time (14:00 GMT) in Krakow's Main Market Square, a popular destination for tourists. According to police, the gunman drove into the square and began firing at random from his car. Armed officers responded swiftly, engaging in a gunfight with the attacker, who was shot within three minutes of the start of the attack.
The 24-year-old attacker, named by local media as Michal Oksinski, died in hospital on Monday. He had also fatally shot four Polish citizens and an Austrian woman, and injured 15 others, including two police officers. In a further grim discovery, police found the bodies of the gunman's parents and sister at his address on Saturday.
Eyewitness Accounts
Two friends from Aberdeen, Ciaran McMenemy, 26, and Charlie Hutchison, 27, described how they ran for their lives when the shooting started. They had been sightseeing in Krakow and had just sat down for a drink when they heard gunfire. They quickly fled and took shelter. Their account underscores the panic and chaos that unfolded in the normally bustling square.
The investigation is ongoing, with Polish authorities leading the case and international support being provided. The tragic death of James Campbell has left his family, friends, and the local community in Ayrshire devastated. Tributes have begun to pour in for the popular DJ, who was known for his vibrant personality and love of music.
