Children are among four people shot dead in a horrific attack during a birthday party.

The shooting broke out at a banquet hall around 6pm on Saturday night in Stockton, California.

‘Tragedy of this nature is unthinkable and it absolutely breaks our hearts to have loss of life and to have loss of life to children,’ San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas said.

Emotional footage from the scene showed groups of people hugging each other as police swarmed to the area.

San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Heather Brent called the attack ‘unfathomable’ and said: ‘Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident.’

An urgent manhunt has been launched to find the suspect, who is on the run.

Brent added: ‘Our number one priority is identifying a suspect.

‘This is a very active and ongoing investigation, information remains very limited at this time.’

At least ten people have been injured. Brent said victims have been transported to hospitals in the area.

Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi addressed press at the scene. In a statement on social media she said: ‘Our first responders acted quickly, securing multiple scenes and providing immediate medical aid. Their professionalism reflects the very best of our city.

At least four people are dead and ten injured after a shooting in Stockton, California
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At least four people are dead and ten injured after a shooting in Stockton, California

The horrifying shooting took place at a children's birthday party that was being held in a banquet hall
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The horrifying shooting took place at a children’s birthday party that was being held in a banquet hall

A map shows the location of the shooting that has seen at least four people killed
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A map shows the location of the shooting that has seen at least four people killed

‘As mayor, I am ensuring every necessary resource is available and that our city supports this effort at every level. Right now, our focus must remain on the victims, their families, and the safety of the community.’

Fugazi spoke with California Governor Newsom about the incident.

His press office tweeted Saturday night: ‘The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.’

Videos shared to social media showed a huge response from emergency services close to a Dairy Queen.

The city’s Vice Mayor Jason Lee also took to Facebook to express his horror and wrote: ‘Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbors go through this shakes me deeply.

‘Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community.

‘Our community deserves to know the truth, and the families impacted deserve justice and every resource available to support them.’

Lee said he was in contact with public safety officials and will be ‘pushing for answers.’

The community has expressed their horror at the incident and Gavin Newsom's office said he is monitoring the situation
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The community has expressed their horror at the incident and Gavin Newsom’s office said he is monitoring the situation

The shooting took place near a Dairy Queen, pictured in the background of this photo
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The shooting took place near a Dairy Queen, pictured in the background of this photo

People were quick to express their horror and anguish of the night’s events, commenting on Lee’s post.

‘Stockton needs change so bad. This breaks my heart,’ one Facebook user said.

Another added: ‘Get these guns off the streets, this is terrible. Babies getting shot.’

While a third said: ‘Prayers to all and especially our babies that did not deserve to experience and witness such horror.’

Officers warned residents to stay away from the area.

‘We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately’ they wrote on social media.

‘Community assistance is vital in helping us identify those responsible and bring justice to the victims and their loved ones.’

Police taped off the area where the shooting took place at 6pm on Saturday
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Police taped off the area where the shooting took place at 6pm on Saturday

Several local agencies were on the scene including Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi (center left), the district attorney's office, and the sheriff's office
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Several local agencies were on the scene including Stockton Mayor Christina Fugazi (center left), the district attorney’s office, and the sheriff’s office

A representative for the sheriff's office said it could have been a 'targeted incident'
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A representative for the sheriff’s office said it could have been a ‘targeted incident’


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Police said that injured victims have been transported to the area’s hospitals

Detectives are working to determine a motive.

Stockton is located along the San Joaquin River in central California. It is located about 45 miles south of Sacramento and has a population of 320,000.

SOURCE: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15338829/california-shooting-dairy-queen-stockton.html