Two arrested after late-night shooting in French Quarter where thousands had gathered for an American football game.

One person was killed and nine others wounded in a shooting in the French Quarter of the southern US city of New Orleans, police said.

Gunfire broke out on Bourbon Street, a popular party area in the city’s historic street, around 0130 (0630 GMT), striking eight men and two women, the Times Picayune newspaper reported.

About 30 officers were rushed to the scene following the shooting.

“The victims in this incident range in age from 20 to 37 years old,” New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) said in a statement.

Heavy police presence at Bourbon and Canal. Police say 10 people were shot, one is dead. pic.twitter.com/gPex0xtPUU — Jim Mustian (@JimMustian) November 27, 2016

“Eight of the victims are males, including the deceased victim, while two victims are females.

“NOPD officers made two arrests at the scene, both males, for illegal carrying of weapons charges. One of the arrested individuals was identified as a victim in the incident, who is being treated for his injuries. The second arrest was an unrelated individual found to be in illegal possession of a handgun at the scene.”

Thousands of outsiders have poured into the French Quarter this weekend as New Orleans hosts the Bayou Classic, an annual American football game between two rival Louisiana state universities.

“Very tragic, unacceptable set of circumstances,” New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said at the scene.

“Totally unacceptable. The violence continues to spin out of control.”