Armed police are responding to reports of an active shooter near the Virginia Tech campus in the US with reports of multiple victims.
Police say several people have been taken to hospital after reports of shots fired shortly before midnight Friday at the Melody Hookah lounge in Blacksburg.
The university has been closed and footage shows a heavy police presence and the area being taped.
Neighbors have been warned to stay at home.
A Blacksburg Police statement said: "At 11:53 a.m. on Friday, February 04, 2022, Blacksburg Police responded to a report of a shooting at the Melody Hookah Lounge located at 109 N Main St in downtown Blacksburg.
"Several persons were taken from the spot to local hospitals.
“Several law enforcement agencies are assisting in the area and following the lead.
Virginia Tech tweeted: "Update on Shots Fired West Roanoke St./Draper Road. Continue to stay safe in place. Emergency personnel at the scene. Call 911 for help."
Virginia Tech previously said: "A man with a gun was reported near West Roanoke St./Draper Road. Staying inside. Secure doors. Emergency personnel responding. Call 911 for help."
Police are responding to reports of an active shooting near Virginia Tech
It added in the following tweet: "Keep on being safe in place. Emergency personnel at the scene."
One person tweeted: "Several ambulances responding to a possible shooting scene in downtown Blacksburg."
Another wrote: "Several sirens audible, some EMS related, audible on Progress St., #Blacksburgh, 1 mile from where a man with a gun has been reported."