The public has been urged to avoid the area

The public has been urged to avoid the area following the devastating shooting.

The gunmen opened fire from a pedestrianised bridge overlooking the beach. One of the attackers has also been killed, while another is in police custody.

It's been reported that a Hanukkah event was taking place on Bondi Beach at the time of the shooting.

Police stated:

"A police operation is ongoing after a public place shooting by two men at Bondi Beach earlier today.

"Ten people have been confirmed dead, including a man believed to be one of the shooters. The second alleged shooter is in a critical condition.

"At this time, a further 11 people are reported to be injured, two of which are police officers."

New South Wales Police Force confirmed that "suspicious items" found at the scene are being examined.

"A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers, and an exclusion zone is in place.

"A multi-agency response is continuing. An extensive crime scene has been established, and inquiries are now underway."

"There have been no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident."

Read updates on the JOE.ie live blog here.