After a shooting at an American university, at least three people were killed.

After he fled on foot, a manhunt was launched at Michigan State University for the attacker. He was described as a short, black male wearing a cap and red shoes.

Police said that he later died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot injury.

Police also confirmed that five people were taken by police to hospital with life-threatening conditions.

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At 8.18 pm local time, shots were fired on Berkey Hall on East Lansing’s campus.

Staff and students were instructed to “secure in place immediately” after officers responded to numerous 911 calls.

According to police, the gunman opened fire on the nearby university union as well and was last seen walking out of the building.

As the campus hosts approximately 50,000 students, large numbers of people are likely to be locked down.

Police reported that the gunman was found dead on campus four hours after initial alert. He had apparently self-inflicted a gunshot wound from “contact” with law enforcement.

Chris Rozman from Michigan State University Police stated that “numerous” officers responded in less than a minute and provided first aid at both shooting sites.

According to Mr Rozman, two of the victims were killed at Berkey Hall while the other was at the MSU Union.

Reporters were told by him that hundreds of police officers and law enforcement personnel were involved in hunting for the gunman.

It is located approximately 90 miles northwest from Detroit.

Lisa McClain, US representative in Michigan, tweeted earlier: There are reports of an active shooter on campus at Michigan State University.

“If you’re there, police instructions to you are to Run Hide Fight. Right now, I pray for all Spartans.