Sydney: Eight people were taken to the hospital after gunfire broke out at Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach on Sunday, as police detained two suspects and launched an ongoing security operation in the crowded coastal area.

A video circulating on social media has allegedly claimed that a bystander disarmed one of the assailants during the incident. However, Mathrubhumi English has not independently verified the authenticity of the footage.

The visual appears to show a man approaching the alleged shooter from behind and disarming him. The footage does not show him firing at the captive suspect, who is seen wearing a black hoodie.

Emergency services said multiple people were treated at the scene before being taken to the hospital. 

“We can just let you know that we have treated multiple people on the scene and at this stage taken eight people to different Sydney hospitals,” a spokesperson for the New South Wales ambulance service told AFP.

No figures were immediately available for any fatalities.

Australian police said two people were in custody following reports of multiple gunshots on Sunday at Sydney’s famed Bondi Beach, urging the public to take shelter.

“Police are responding to a developing incident at Bondi Beach and are urging the public to AVOID the area. Anyone at the scene should take shelter,” New South Wales police said in a statement on social media.

Two people had been taken into custody, they said, warning that the operation was “ongoing” and people should to avoid the area, obey police instructions and avoid crossing police lines.

A report in The Sydney Morning Herald said one suspected shooter had been shot by police while another had been detained.

Bondi Beach in eastern Sydney is Australia’s most famous beach, drawing huge numbers of surfers, swimmers and tourists, especially at weekends.

Australian PM says Bondi beach shooting 'shocking and distressing'

Sydney: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a shooting Sunday at Sydney's Bondi Beach was "shocking and distressing".

"Police and emergency responders are on the ground working to save lives. My thoughts are with every person affected," Albanese said in a statement shared by his office.

"I urge people in the vicinity to follow information from the (New South Wales) Police," he said.