A man and woman have been shot during a wedding after a gunman stormed a church and began open firing.

The "terrible attack" happened at New England Pentecostal Church in Bridge Street, Pelham in New Hampshire at 10am local time.

Ambulances and dozens of other emergency services, including fire trucks, were on the scene within three minutes after receiving a call of an "active shooter situation".

The gunman was restrained by wedding guests before police arrived and arrested him.

"They basically gang tackled him," Pelham Police Chief Joseph Roark told a press conference.

Three people were taken to hospital, including the two gunshot wound victims. However the extent of their injuries have not been confirmed.

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Police have confirmed there were no fatalities. Around 40 wedding guests had been inside the church.

A handgun was also recovered from the scene.

A spokesman said: "Preliminary investigation of the matter indicates that this incident does not appear to be a random event.

"A wedding was occurring at the church during the time of the call. Initial officers arrived on scene within 3 minutes and discovered two individuals suffering from gunshot wounds within the church.

"Additionally the suspected shooter was being subdued by guests of the wedding.

"Responding officers placed the suspect under arrest and rendered medical aid to the wounded individuals. The two individuals were then transported to area hospitals by Pelham Fire Department ambulances.

"We will not be releasing the names of the involved individuals or suspect at this time."

No further details on the victims have been released.

(Image: Twitter)

Homeland Security and the New York Police Department Counter Terrorism Bureau had earlier said they were "closely monitoring the shooting incident at the New England Pentecostal church in Pelham, NH."

A funeral service for former ordained minister Luis Garcia was also due to be held after the wedding at noon.

Mr Garcia was found shot dead inside his home on October 1.

WCVB reported one churchgoing, who planned to attend the celebration of life, received a call from his aunt saying “don’t come to the church, the Bishop has been shot.”

Senator Maggie Hassan said she was "deeply disturbed" by what had happened.

She said: "Today was supposed to serve as a celebration of the life of Minister Luis Garcia. This senseless violence can’t continue — my prayers are with the victims of this terrible attack."

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu also issued a statement on Twitter and said: "State officials are on scene assisting local first responders in the response and investigation of a shooting in Pelham, NH.

"While this remains a very active scene, the State of New Hampshire will provide all necessary resources to support the community and our local partners."

(Image: Twitter)

Meanwhile, an alert issued just before 4pm UK time on Twitter said: "(OOA) Pelham, NH *SHOOTING* Bridge St - Multiple people shot at a church, mutual aid Ambulances requested, no other information available at this time, scene is active - 10/12 - 10:45".

Another read: "Multi shooting Pelham NH- reported to be on Bridge St - multiple m/a en route."

The church describes itself as "committed to touching lives dramatically and bringing aid and deliverance to all people regardless of race, creed or color throughout all generations."

It adds: "Our church welcomes people from all parts of New England and the Northeast area.

"With strong foundations in the teachings of our Lord, our goal is to continue spread His word, educate our youth and work toward the betterment of our local community."

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One shocked resident wrote on Twitter: "Never thought I would say this there was a shooting in my town this morning inside of a church attached to my daughter's kindergarten.

"Multiple people were shot I'm praying that they were no fatalities so glad my daughter is safe with me. Please pray for Pelham."