Eight children have been killed in a residential neighbourhood in Shreveport, Louisiana, after a gunman opened fire at two homes following a 'domestic disturbance', police said

Eight children - aged between one and 14 - have been killed after a gunman opened fire at two homes in Louisiana.

Officers said the gunman shot 10 people in the Cedar Grove neighbourhood of Shreveport shortly after 6am CDT (12pm BST) on Sunday, in what they described as a "domestic disturbance". The shooter, an adult male, then fled in a stolen car before being shot dead by police during a car chase in Bossier Parish, Louisiana State Police said.

Two women were injured after being shot in the head, according to local television station KTBS, which also reported that a young boy sustained injuries after jumping from a roof. The gunman and the victims have not yet been identified, but police said some of the children were related to the deceased man.

The initial shooting took place 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), KTBS reported.

Police said there are two further linked shooting scenes: one about a quarter of a mile away on Harrison Street and another on Brompton Lane in Bossier Parish. Officials said they were still gathering details about the crime scenes. "This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen," Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux said it was "a tragic situation, maybe the worst tragic situation" the city of about 177,000 people has seen in recent memory. "We have hurting families, we have hurting police officers, coroners' personnel," he said. "This affects the entire community, so we all mourn with these families."

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry said he and his wife were "heartbroken over this horrific situation" and were "praying for everyone affected". "We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene," he added.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, who represents the Louisiana district where the shooting took place, described the incident as a "heartbreaking tragedy". "We're holding the victims, their families and loved ones, and our Shreveport community close in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time," he said, adding that he was grateful for the swift response of local police.

Louisiana State Police confirmed that no officers were injured during the car chase. They added that state police detectives have been asked by Shreveport Police to lead the investigation and are appealing for anyone with photographs, video or information to share it with investigators.