A teenager has been killed and two others are fighting for their lives after a shooting outside an Iowa high school, in the United States.
The shooting occurred by East High School on Monday afternoon local time, according to the local school authority.
Emergency services rushed to the school, in Des Moines, which was put into lockdown while the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear.
Des Moines Public Schools stated: "This afternoon, at approximately 2.48pm, a shooting near East High School was reported that resulted in three victims, including one fatality, near the northwest corner of the school campus. At this time we are not able to confirm the victims’ names.
"The Des Moines Police Department, Des Moines Fire Department, and DMPS Public Safety were on the scene within minutes.
"The school building was immediately put into lockdown and students were kept safely inside while police investigated. Students were dismissed at approximately 3:30 PM, after law enforcement gave an all clear.
"As principal Jill Versteeg told East parents this afternoon, 'I think we can all agree an event like this is everyone’s worst nightmare. Tonight, hug your students and love them'."
Sgt Paul Parizek said potential suspects have been detained, reported KCCI-TV.
Police said that a teen was killed after they found three students with gunshot injuries.
The school authority said that a "grief team" would be made available to pupils.
The statement continued: "The school district is working with Des Moines police and will provide any assistance they need over the coming days. No classes will be held at East High School tomorrow.
"There is no school tomorrow, March 8, and the district is postponing the ACT for East High juniors until March 29. Parent-teacher conferences are also postponed.
"The DMPS grief team will be available at East High for students and staff beginning tomorrow through the remainder of the week. School counsellors will be available at our other schools for students who need additional support."
Superintendent Thomas Ahart said that the shooting is a further example of the need for gun laws to change in the US.
He said: “We live in an era when shootings in and near schools have become too common.
“Our staff and students are forced to train for these incidents and the trauma associated with the repeated drills and incidents will remain with them for years to come.
"It’s unfortunate that our state and our country have become a place where firearms are far too easily accessible. We remain committed to protecting our students and staff, but real change to gun laws and access would go a long way to help us.”
The school authority added it is receiving "regular updates" from the Des Moines Police Department and will share additional information as it becomes available.
It earlier tweeted after the gun attack: "There are reports of a shooting near East High School. Police are actively investigating. The district is working with staff and families. We will have more information as it becomes available."
It later said: "East High School is currently locked down. Please do not go to the school. More information will be available soon."
