Multiple people have been shot dead after after gunfire broke out during a reported hostage situation, police say.
Police were called to the apparent siege in Salem, Oregon, US, before blasts rang out across the region.
While it remains unclear exactly how the situation unfolded, the accused hostage-taker was among the dead, police said.
Investigators would not say who fired the fatal shots.
A statement from Marion County Sheriff’s Office said officers were called to the home at around 12.30pm on Monday.
After their arrival, a crisis negotiator was called to the scene who attempted to speak to the suspect on the phone before shots were fired.
One witness said: "I heard three shots and then within five minutes i heard a bang."
"Ambulances loaded three different people I could see, one of them outside my house."
Police said only that "shots were fired" and multiple people died at the scene.
Oregon State Police, are now investigating the case.
They said no deputies had been injured and any involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing.
Police said there is no ongoing danger to the wider community.
