Eight children, aged from one to 14 years have been killed in a shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, which police are describing as a “domestic disturbance”. Officers said the incident began about 05:00 local time (10:00 BST).

A single gunman shot 10 people before fleeing in a stolen car. Police then chased and killed the suspected shooter. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said: “We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners’ personnel.

“This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families.” Police did not identify the suspected gunman or the victims, but said some of the children were related to the deceased man, reports the BBC.

“This is a tragic situation – maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had in Shreveport,” the mayor added. He asked for prayers for the families and the city.

Police said the shooting took place at two homes on the same block and a third residence in the neighbourhood. Shreveport Police Corporal Chris Bordelon said officers attended a home shortly before 06:00 local time and found the children. Bordelon said: “All of the deceased in this case are juveniles.”