At least 21 killed in northeast Thailand shooting spree

Hostages were rescued from the gunman who had killed at least 21 people late Saturday in Nakhon Ratchasima of northeastern Thailand, but the gunman is still at large, police sources said early Sunday.

"The gunman used a machine gun and shot innocent victims resulting in many injured and dead," AFP reported, citing a police spokesperson.

The gunman, identified as Jakkrapanth Thomma, was holding a number of people as hostage inside the Terminal 21 shopping mall, but police officials later announced by 2 a.m. Sunday local time that all civilians had been safely brought out of the mall.

The alleged killer, who is a soldier, stole a Humvee from his base and then proceeded to drive around the city on a shooting spree, media quoted police in the northeast as saying.

The alleged shooter proceeded to shoot at shoppers inside a mall in the city. He took a selfie during the attack and posted it onto social media.

The shooter remained close to a shopping mall and has not yet been apprehended, police said.

(With input from agencies)