World

Dozens wounded in US nightclub shooting

09:37 am on 2 July 2017

At least 25 people have been shot at a nightclub in the US state of Arkansas, police say.

Police tape surrounds the Ultra Power Lounge after the shooting. Photo: AFP

One person was in a critical condition, later upgraded to stable, but the other injuries were not life-threatening.

The youngest victim was said to be 16.

The exchange of gunfire apparently took place at about 2.30am (local time) at a concert, but there was no immediate information about a suspect.

"We do not believe this incident was an active shooter or terror related incident. It appears to have been a dispute at a concert," Little Rock police department said.

A total of 28 people have been confirmed injured - 25 with gunshot wounds, and three from "unrelated injuries", police said.

ABC had earlier quoted police as saying some had been injured while trying to escape the Power Lounge nightclub.

A bystander's video broadcast by local media showed the crowded club at the moment gunshots rang out, followed by the sound of people screaming in the dark.

Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were also assisting local police.

"On a Fourth of July weekend, where we wish to anticipate having fun with our friends and family, this is certainly a terrible, terrible tragedy," Mayor Mark Stodola said at the news conference.

He said the city had revoked the nightclub's liquor license and it would be shut down.

Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said it was time for the state to do more to reverse what he described as an intensifying crime problem in the state capital.

The club was hosting a concert by the hip-hop artist Finese 2Tymes on Friday night, according to the club's Facebook page.

- BBC / Reuters