Eight children between the ages of one and 14 have been killed in a mass shooting in Louisiana.
Local police, who responded to a call shortly after 6am, say they were shot in a "domestic disturbance" at different homes.
Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon said 10 people were shot in total and some of the eight children who died were related to the gunman.
He said the suspect stole a car while fleeing the scene of the shootings and was shot and killed by police during a chase.
Mr Bordelon said the crime scene extended across three locations, adding: "This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen."
At a news conference outside a home where one of the shootings occurred, officials requested patience and prayers from the community.
Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said: "I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback...I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur."
The city's mayor Tom Arceneaux said: "This is a tragic situation - maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had," adding: "It's a terrible morning."
In a statement, state police said their detectives have been asked to to investigate and that no officers were harmed in the shooting of the suspect.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said in a statement he and his wife were heartbroken.
"We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene," he added.
(c) Sky News 2026: Eight children killed in shooting in Louisiana
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