Four police officers have been shot dead by what appears to be two snipers at a protest in Dallas, Texas, police say.
The gunshots were heard at Belo Garden Park around 8.45pm local time, with Dallas police chief David O Brown saying the snipers took their shots "from elevated positions" during the protest.
He said the officers had been fired on "ambush style" and some had been shot in the back.
Two are in surgery and three are in critical condition in hospital, he added.
"An intensive search for suspects is currently underway.
"No suspects are in custody at this time.
"Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers tonight."
TV showed protesters scrambling for cover and police officers crouching behind parked cars or running into a what appeared to be a car-parking building with guns drawn.
The scene remains chaotic, with heavily-armed police officers guarding street corners and helicopters hovering overhead.
The search for the suspects is stretching throughout central Dallas - an area of hotels, restaurants, businesses and some residential apartments.
Mr Brown said that officers have cornered and are negotiating with one suspect.
The gunshots were heard at Belo Garden Park around 8.45pm local time, with Dallas police chief David O Brown saying the snipers took their shots "from elevated positions" during the protest.
He said the officers had been fired on "ambush style" and some had been shot in the back.
Two are in surgery and three are in critical condition in hospital, he added.
"An intensive search for suspects is currently underway.
"No suspects are in custody at this time.
"Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers tonight."
TV showed protesters scrambling for cover and police officers crouching behind parked cars or running into a what appeared to be a car-parking building with guns drawn.
The scene remains chaotic, with heavily-armed police officers guarding street corners and helicopters hovering overhead.
The search for the suspects is stretching throughout central Dallas - an area of hotels, restaurants, businesses and some residential apartments.
Mr Brown said that officers have cornered and are negotiating with one suspect.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he has directed the head of the Texas Department of Public Safety to offer "whatever assistance the City of Dallas needs at this time".
The shootings came amid protests across the US over recent police shootings.
On Tuesday, music vendor Alton Sterling was shot in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, after being held down by police officers.
The following day, Philando Castile was in a car with his girlfriend and child when he was shot by an officer in Minnesota.
Both shootings were captured on mobile phones and the footage widely shared.
In New York on Thursday night, protesters gathered in Union Square Park, chanting before they moved on to Fifth Avenue, blocking traffic as police struggled to keep up with them.
Other groups headed through Herald Square and Times Square, where several people were reported to have been arrested.
Meanwhile, the police officer allegedly involved in the shooting of Mr Castile has been identified as Jeronimo Yanez.
Mr Yanez was with his colleague Joseph Kauser, both of whom had worked for the St Anthony Police Department for four years.
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