Multiple fatalities after shots fired at Bondi Beach in Sydney

Australian police have confirmed that at least 12 people have been killed in Sunday's shooting at Bondi Beach.

One shooter was killed and a second shooter among the injured, and is in custody in a critical condition.

In a press conference, NSW Premier Chris Minns said it was a targeted attack on the Jewish community.

"On the first day of Hanukkah," Minns told the press conference.

"What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack."

The premier said the attack was being met with a massive comprehensive police and public order response.

"Our heart bleeds for Australia's Jewish community tonight. I can only imagine the pain that they're feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday.

"It's a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia's Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period."

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said 29 people were injured, including two police officers, who are in a serious condition.

"We know that there were many people there to celebrate a happy occasion - the celebration of Hanukkah. And there was well over 1000 people there when this took place.

"As a result of the circumstances of the incident tonight, at 9:36pm this evening, I declared this to be a terrorist incident."

Commissioner Lanyon said he had authorised special powers to ensure that if there is a third offender - "and we are currently investigating that at the moment".

He said he could not give age details of victims.

"As you can imagine, there has been a fair dislocation. The ambulance service responded brilliantly," he said.

"They've had to convey people right around the city to numerous hospitals.

"So at this stage we don't have those details."

The commissioner said he did not believe any children were among the deceased.

One child was transported to hospital.

He said there have been 29 people transported to hospitals and there are still more turning up.

Asked about the reports of one of the shooter's identities, Commissioner Lanyone reiterated his call for the community to remain calm.

"I'm well aware on social media that an identity of a person believed to be one of the gunmen has been circulated there," he said.

"When I asked for calm, that is really important. This is not a time for retribution. This is a time to allow the police to do their duty."

Commissioner Lanyon said the police response was massive.

"I'm incredibly proud of the professionalism of our police and emergency service responders," he said.

"They have done a fantastic job. Unfortunately, it's only a several years ago that Bondi occurred at Bondi Junction. We have learnt a lot from that and tonight ambulance and police and other emergency responders acted promptly and professionally to do a great job."

Videos circulating on social media appeared to show people on Bondi Beach scattering as multiple gunshots and police sirens can be heard.

Other video from the scene showed multiple people lying on the ground injured as paramedics worked on them.

People could be seen running away from the area, others had bandages on their heads, while other people were covered in blood.

The shooting appears to have taken place at the northern end of Bondi Beach, near or at Bondi Park Playground.

In a statement, NZ Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said he was shocked by the scenes at Bondi.

"Australia and New Zealand are closer than friends, we're family.

"My thoughts, and the thoughts of all New Zealanders, are with those affected."

- ABC News