In Canada, a gunman shot and killed a soldier at a war memorial in the capital Ottawa, before police engaged in a gun battle inside the parliament building. Three others injured in the incident. The gunman was shot dead in a heavy exchange of fire with police but Canada's capital remained on alert throughout yesterday. The shooting came hours after Canada raised its terror threat level.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the country will not be intimidated by violence. Mr Harper was addressing MPs at the time of the shooting but was safely evacuated. Citing unnamed Canadian officials, US and Canadian news agencies identified the dead gunman as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau. The country earlier this month announced plans to join the US-led campaign of air strikes against ISIS militants in Iraq. Mr Harper said the attack will strengthen Canada's resolve in the fight against extremism alongside its allies. In a telephone call with Mr Harper, US President Barack Obama condemned the attacks and reaffirmed the two nations' close friendship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last night expressed serious concern over the attack on Canadian Parliament. In a tweet, he described the attack as extremely disturbing and prayed for everyone's safety.