University shooting: Three killed as gunman opens fire on campus in horrifying attack

At least three people have been killed after a gunman opened fire at a university campus.

Police say five people were injured during the attack at Michigan State University in the city of East Lansing late on Monday.

As well as the three victims, the suspect also died from a “self-inflicted gunshot wound”.

Officers described the gunman as “a black male, shorter in stature” and later said he was 43 years old with no known connection to the university.

Officers told students and residents to shelter in the aftermath of the attack
Reuters

During the manhunt, student and local residents were told the shelter in place before police lifted the order saying there was “no longer a threat to campus”.

The attack took place shortly after 8pm local time on Monday (1am GMT Tuesday).

Photos show the suspect wearing a denim jacket, navy baseball cap and red trainers.

Victims were found at the Berkey Hall on the north side of the campus and the close to the Michigan State University Union building.

Officers say there were several crime locations as the investigation continues.

The shooters motive is not known.

Emergency services arrived at the scene before the injured – some of them believed to be life-threatening – were transported to hospital for treatment.

Deputy Chief Chris Rozman from the university's police force said: "This truly has been a nightmare that we are living tonight.”

Rozman told a news conference that the two buildings were accessible to the general public during business hours.

Emergency services arrived at the scene following the shooting
Reuters

Berkey Hall, where the first shooting occurred, is an academic building where activities were taking place.

The second building, the student union, is similarly open to the general public and doesn't require any special access.

Campus activities have been cancelled for at least 48 hours.

East Lansing is located around 70 miles (112km) north-west of Detroit.