Vancouver LIVE: 'Multiple dead' as car rams through crowd of pedestrians in Canada

- A car was driven into a crowd in Vancouver, Canada

- Police confirm that a number of people have been killed and several others injured

- The incident happened at 20:00 local time (04:00 BST)The driver is in custody

- People had gathered to celebrate the Lapu Lapu Festival

- It took place on E. 41st Avenue and Fraser St

- Authorities remain at the scene as the investigation is ongoing

Local media in Canada are reporting that the police will hold a public update at midnight local time (08:00 BST).

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney 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."

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, and main opposition candidate, said he was “shocked by the horrific news emerging from Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day Festival tonight”.

"A number of people have been killed and multiple others are injured after a driver drove into a crowd at a street festival at E. 41st Avenue and Fraser shortly after 8 p.m. tonight.

"The driver is in custody.

"We will provide more information as the investigation unfolds."

People gathered to celebrate the festival which commemorates a Filipino anti-colonial leader, Datu Lapu-Lapu, from the 16th century. Lapu-Lapu was the Philippines' first national hero, who led the victory against Spanish colonisers in the 1521 Battle of Mactan.

A damaged black vehicle was at the scene following the incident.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, said he was "horrified" to learn of what happened.

He said: "As we wait to learn more, our thoughts are with the victims and their families – and Vancouver’s Filipino community, who were coming together today to celebrate resilience."

Filipinos were at the festival to celebrate Datu Lapu-Lapu, a 16th-century leader from the Philippines who is considered the first national hero of the country.

The mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim, said he is saddened by the "horrific" event that took place at the Lapu Lapu Day gathering.

He added: "Our thoughts are with all those affected and with Vancouver's Filipino community."