Erie mass shooting: 9 dead including children and gunman in Pennsylvania

Nine people have died, including two children and a suspected gunman, after a mass shooting at a home in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening.

Police were called to the 700 block of Perry Street shortly before 5.00 pm following reports of gunfire outside a residence. When officers arrived, they found two women shot dead in the street.

Witnesses told police that the shooter had fired shots outside before running into the house. Erie Police and SWAT teams surrounded the property, setting up a perimeter as the incident escalated into a standoff. Officers reported hearing further gunshots coming from inside the home.

After securing a warrant, police forced their way into the residence. Inside, officers discovered seven more bodies, including two small children and the suspected gunman.

Authorities said the suspect died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

'A horrific scene'

The City of Erie confirmed in a statement that the site had been contained and there was no ongoing threat or danger to the public.

Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the location as the worst crime scene he had encountered in his law enforcement career.

"This is one of the most difficult and heartbreaking scenes our officers and investigators have ever encountered," Chief Lorah said. "The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing."

Chief Lorah added that there was a large loss of life both inside and outside the residence, calling it a "horrific scene" and a "tragic, tragic situation".

Unanswered questions

The identities of the victims and the suspected gunman have not yet been released by authorities.

Investigators have not stated whether the gunman was related to or knew any of the victims, and no motive for the attack has been announced. The City of Erie said local authorities would provide further updates as verified information becomes available.