Authorities have confirmed at least five dead and several injured in the US city of Louisville, Kentucky, after a gunman opened fire in the city.

“We confirm reports of an active trespasser in the 300 block of East Main. Please stay away. Several people are injured,” Lousiville police said on their Twitter account this morning.

On the same Twitter account, the officers confirmed that the attacker has been killed and that there is no longer any danger to passers-by, although they have been asked to avoid the area for the time being.

In addition to the fatalities, six others were taken to hospital. His condition is not yet known.

Around 8:30 a.m., 911 calls alerted them to an active attacker on the block at Old National Bank, according to the Louisville Police Department.

The first 911 call is said to have been made by Caleb Goodlett, who received a call from his wife seeking refuge in the bank vault after hearing the shots.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said he was aware of the situation and on his way to the scene of the shooting. He asked for prayers for the affected families and for the city of Louisville.