One person has died and four others injured after shots were fired near the Virginia Tech campus in the US.
Armed police were called to reports of an active shooter at the Melody Hookah Lounge in Blacksburg shortly before midnight on Friday.
Police earlier said multiple people had been taken to hospital as students were warned to stay indoors and the university was put in lockdown.
It has now been confirmed that sadly one person was killed and four injured - one of whom was a Virginia Tech student.
The names of the victims have not yet been released.
A statement from President Tim Sands to the members of the Virginia Tech community reads: "Shortly before midnight last night, Blacksburg Police responded to a report of shots fired at the Melody Hookah Lounge in downtown Blacksburg.
"The Blacksburg Police Department has released a statement that one person was killed; four others were injured, one of whom was a Virginia Tech student.
"At this time, the names of the victims have not been released. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased and we extend our support to those who were injured."
The statement continued: "Events like this are difficult and unsettling to all of us. Please care for yourself and seek assistance if you need it.
"Campus resources are listed below. Our community is strong, and our strength is derived from our genuine care and concern for one another."
Footage shows a heavy police presence with the area taped off.
A statement from Blacksburg Police earlier said: "On Friday February 04, 2022 at 11:53pm, the Blacksburg Police responded to the report of shots fired at the Melody Hookah Lounge located at 109 N Main St in downtown Blacksburg.
"Multiple individuals were transported from the scene to local hospitals.
"Multiple law enforcement agencies are assisting in the area and following up on leads.
Virginia Tech had tweeted: "Update on Shots Fired West Roanoke St/Draper Rd. Continue to secure in place. Emergency personnel on scene. Call 911 for help."
Virginia Tech earlier stated: “Person with a gun reported near West Roanoke St./Draper Rd. Stay Inside. Secure doors. Emergency personnel responding. Call 911 for help.”
It added in a following tweet: “Continue to secure in place. Emergency personnel on scene.”
One person tweeted: "Multiple ambulances responding to a possible shooting scene in downtown Blacksburg."
Another wrote: "Multiple sirens audible, some belonging to EMS, audible on Progress St, #Blacksburg, 1 mile away from where a persons with a gun has been reported."
Fear was spreading as people waited for updates on the incident.
"Do we have literally any updates??? It’s been almost an hour, and the entire city of blacksburg is awake and terrified," one tweeted.
Another wrote: "My daughter called me more than 1 hour ago very nervous and anxious, she is from Cid!!"
"My daughter is also in Cid she called me very scared, she mentions that the shots (3) were heard very close," another replied.
Police said: "This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Blacksburg Police Department at (540) 443-1400 or you can remain anonymous by calling the Blacksburg Police Tip Line at (540) 961-1819 or by emailing ciu@blacksburg.gov."
Virginia Tech was the scene of shootings in April, 2007, when a student killed 32 people and injured 17 others with two semi-automatic pistols.
Seung-Hui Cho, an undergraduate at the university, carried out the shooting spree before turning the gun on himself.
