Mexico shooting in Salamanca: Is it safe to travel to Mexico after 14 killed in nightclub?
MEXICO’S Salamanca district, close to tourist hotspot and capital Mexico City, has been struck by gunman who killed 14 people. Police are currently on the hunt for the gang, who were armed with assault rifles at a nightclub. Yet is it still safe for British holidaymakers to travel to the area?
Mexico: Police cordon off area following nightclub shooting
What is the situation in Salamanca, in Mexico?
Gunmen carrying assault rifles arrived in trucks and opened fire on nightclub partygoers on Saturday, according to local media.
A total of 14 people were shot dead at La Playa nightclub in Salamanca.
A further seven were injured as the gunmen sprayed bullets into the crowd in the early hours of the morning.
A search for the gunmen has now been launched
Home to around 260,000 people, Salamanca is in the state of Guanajuato, northwest of the capital Mexico City.
What have the authorities said about travelling to Mexico?
Since 2017 there have been a number of reported shooting incidents and other incidents of violence in the main tourist destinations in Mexico, including in locations popular with tourists.
Website gov.uk stated that there is currently an increased police presence in the Cancun area, including in the hotel zone.
It advised: “While tourists have not been the target of such incidents, anyone in the vicinity of an incident could be affected.
“If you’re visiting any of these areas, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities and your tour operator.”
What should travellers do if they are worried?
For those Britons already in Mexico, the authorities have issued extra advice and support.
Website gov.uk stated: “The emergency number in Mexico is 911.
“If you’re in Mexico City, you can download the 911 CDMX app.”
More than 513,800 British nationals visited Mexico in 2016.
Have there been any similar incidents previously?
Cancun holiday resort in Mexico was struck by gunmen in February - an incident which left five people dead.
Another five people were left injured in the shock shooting at the La Kuka party hotspot, which is a short walk from a host of hotels packed with Britons craving winter sunshine.
Four attackers wielding a long gun and three hand guns were said to have stormed into the venue before opening fire.
At the time, police confirmed two of those left injured suffered serious wounds.