A mass shooting in Louisiana has claimed the lives of eight children, aged between just one year old and 14, according to local authorities.
The tragic killings occurred during what police have described as a "domestic disturbance" at approximately 6am local time this morning.
Shreveport police confirmed that ten people were shot in total during the incident.
The violence unfolded across three separate locations, with Chris Bordelon, a spokesman for Shreveport police, stating: "This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen."
The gunman, who police say was related to some of the young victims, was fatally shot by officers following a pursuit that ended in neighbouring Bossier City.
According to state police, the suspect fled the scene in a stolen vehicle before being tracked down by authorities.
No officers sustained injuries during the confrontation, Louisiana state police confirmed in a statement.
Mr Bordelon indicated that the sprawling nature of the crime scene spanning multiple sites, presented significant challenges for investigators working to piece together the sequence of events from the early morning tragedy.
The tragic killings occurred during what police have described as a 'domestic disturbance'
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Two women have been injured after being shot in the head, according to local TV station KTBS, which reports that a young boy sustained injuries after jumping from a roof.
The first shooting was reportedly carried out inside a home on West 79th Street near Linwood Avenue in Shreveport.
At least 30 police units remained at the scene at 10.30am CDT (4.30pm BST), according to local media reports.
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Officials said they were still gathering details about the crime scene.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don’t know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said.
“I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents.
“It’s a terrible morning."
Louisiana State Police said their detectives have been requested by Shreveport Police to investigate.