King Charles issues statement on 'dreadful attack' as car ploughs into crowd and kills 9

King Charles and Queen Camilla were "profoundly saddened" by where a man drove into a group of people - killing nine - at a street party.

The horror unfolded at the Lapu Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver, on Saturday evening, near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the crash and the driver was arrested, although the motive behind the attack is currently unknown. Video shared on social media showed victims and debris strewn across a long stretch of road, with at least seven people lying immobile on the ground.

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In response to the incident, the have shared a statement on social media. It read: "Both my wife and I were profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful attack and utterly tragic loss of life in Vancouver, which took place as the Filipino community came together to mark the celebration of one of their most special festivals.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all those whose lives have been shattered by such a desperate tragedy and we send our deepest possible sympathy at a most agonizing time for so many in Canada" The message was signed from Charles R.

The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party is a yearly Filipino cultural event held in Vancouver's Sunset on Fraser neighbourhood. This year's festivities included food, music, and cultural performances.

Police later confirmed nine people were killed in the incident and a 30-year-old man from Vancouver was arrested. They said in a statement: "As of now, we can confirm nine people have died after a man drove through a crowd at last night’s Lapu Lapu Festival. 

"Our thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic incident. The driver is in custody. We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."

Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, earlier shared his own sadness at the attack. He said: "I am devastated to hear about the horrific events at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver earlier this evening. I offer my deepest condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured, to the Filipino Canadian community, and to everyone in Vancouver.

"We are all mourning with you. We are monitoring the situation closely, and thankful to our first responders for their swift action."