California drive-by shooting: Three dead and four wounded after attack on Stockton store

Police say the area is known for gang activity

A Stockton Police spokesman said the shooting took place at 8.30pm on Tuesday evening (AFP/Getty)

Three people have died and four others are injured after an apparent drive-by shooting near a grocery store in Northern California.

A Stockton Police spokesman said the shooting took place at 8.30pm on Tuesday evening outside a store in an area known for gang activity, the LA Times reports.

One person died at the scene and two others died in hospital. Stockton Police said the incident was being treated as a triple homicide.

It said the wounded victims are expected to survive their injuries.

Police have not yet detained anyone over the incident and witnesses are still being interviewed. The surrounding area has been cordoned off and homicide detectives are on scene.