A shooting in an American synagogue killed at least four people and injured 12

At least four people were killed and 12 wounded on Saturday during a shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue, USA, local media and CNN reported.

"There are deaths, "said a lifeguard on local television channel KDKA, in statements that have also been published by CNN. Among the wounded, there are three police officers, whose state of health is still unknown.

A white man is suspected, said KDKA, adding that the police who had responded to the attack "were shot down".

previously, a police commander said the shooting had caused "several casualties""

According to local television, the police cordoned off the synagogue of the Tree of Life after learning that a person was shooting at the building located in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood.

"Do not leave your house at this time, it is not safe"Pittsburgh police commander Jason Lando has warned locals at an impromptu press conference on the site.

The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety posted an active shooter on Twitter in the Wilkins and Shady Avenue area, where the synagogue is located.

Images from local television showed police officers with guns, helmets and other tactical equipment. There were also paramedics near the synagogue and police vehicles blocked some streets in the neighborhood.

The president of the United States, Donald Trump said on Twitter that he was following the development of a shootout in Pittsburgh where there would have been "several deaths".

The Tree of Life synagogue is described on its website as a traditional, progressive and egalitarian congregation.