Gunman shoots dead six people at Sikh temple in Wisconsin

Heavily armed police officers arrive the scene to deal with the guman (EPA)

At least six people were killed when a gunman opened fire at a Sikh temple near Milwaukee and the suspected shooter later died in a gunfight with police, authorities said.

Police were called to the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in the suburb of Oak Creek, several dozen people were gathering for a service. Authorities found four people dead inside the temple and two outside.

Witness Sunny Singh, 21, said a friend had just pulled into the temple's car park when he heard shots and saw two people fall down. The friend then saw the shooter reload his weapons and head to the temple's entrance, Mr Singh said.

The first police officer to arrive at the temple exchanged gunfire outside the building with a man police believe was the shooter, police said, adding that the suspect was killed.

Tactical units went through the temple and authorities do not believe a second shooter was involved. It's unclear how many others were wounded, but Mr Wentlandt said he had been told the officer who exchanged gunfire with the suspect and another person had been taken to hospitals. He said the officer was shot multiple times and is in surgery, but is expected to survive.

A spokeswoman for the area trauma centre said three victims were being treated there, including one who was in surgery. Jatin Der Mangat, 38, of Racine, the nephew of the temple's president, Satwant Singh Kaleka, said his uncle was one of those shot, but he didn't know how serious his injuries were. He was among those waiting for news when police announced the deaths.

He said. "This shouldn't happen anywhere."

Sukhwindar Nagr, also of Racine, said he called his brother-in-law's phone and a priest at the temple answered and told him that his brother-in-law had been shot, along with three priests. The priest also said women and children were hiding in cupboards in the temple.

Sikh rights groups have reported a rise in bias attacks since the 11 September terrorist attacks. The Washington-based Sikh Coalition has reported more than 700 incidents in the US since then. AP