We were sightseeing in Krakow and had sat down for drinks - then the shooting began

Two friends from Aberdeen have described how they ran for their lives during a shooting in Krakow in which six people were killed.

Ciaran McMenemy, 26, and Charlie Hutchison, 27, had just sat down for a drink when the gunfire began. They quickly fled and took shelter.

Now back in Scotland, McMenemy told BBC Scotland News they had felt like "sitting ducks" - and feared they may never see their loved ones again.

The 24-year-old suspected gunman - who later died in hospital - had opened fire in central Krakow, the second largest city in Poland, on Saturday.

Armed officers raced to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with the man, who was shot within three minutes of the attack beginning.

Six people - four women and two men - were killed in the attack. Four were Polish, the others were a British national and an Austrian woman. Sixteen people were taken to hospital.

The man's parents and sister were also found dead at their home.

Krakow police said the suspected gunman died early on Monday morning.

Officials initially reported the suspect had apparently been inspired by "far-right ideologies", but later said they were still investigating any possible motivation.

McMenemy and Hutchison had booked a weekend break in Poland last week, and arrived on Friday.

They spent Saturday sightseeing and shopping, before choosing a table at an outdoor seating area.

While looking at their menus, they heard loud bangs - then realised it was not fireworks.

"The gunfire started," McMenemy said. "Everyone started to panic.

"There was screaming, folk were jumping up from their tables, throwing themselves onto the floor, tables and chairs were getting thrown over.

"I said 'We need to get out'. We were sitting ducks. We feared for our lives."

Hutchison explained: "We thought it was fireworks, it was that loud. Then the panic started.

"We just ran, people were hiding under tables. We didn't know at this point what was going on."

The two saw an apartment door that was held open, so they hid inside and waited for the gunfire to stop.

When they emerged, they saw someone who had been shot.

McMenemy said they could not really believe what was happening.

"It did not feel real at all," he said.

The two Scots were met with a scene of "chaos", with ambulances and police all around, and then saw bodies.

"I phoned my dad, I was in a bit of a state," Hutchison said.

They then arranged to fly back to Scotland straight away.

Hutchison added: "I don't think it's fully set in, but we have been very lucky that we have got to come home."

"I am grateful to still be here," her friend added. "I feel awful for all the victims and their families. We had such a close call. We escaped with our lives."

Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he was "shocked and saddened by the appalling shooting" in Krakow.

"My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives, everyone injured and all those affected by this senseless violence," he added.

"The United Kingdom stands in solidarity with the people of Poland."

Main Market Square reopened on Sunday evening after a security cordon was lifted.