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Five people were killed and two seriously injured when a gunman stormed a school in Canada.

Police were called to a "serious incident" at La Loche Community School, in northern Saskatchewan shortly after 1.30pm yesterday.

Witnesses said they heard more than half a dozen shots as children ran for their lives.

It has been reported the shooter has been arrested.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the death toll describing the mass shooting as "every parent's worst nightmare”.

He said wanted to “express both our sympathy and support” for those impacted and in the community and also thanks first responders, who he said “acted swiftly and bravely.”

Canadian police said they were on scene for a serious incident at the school - which is thought to serve the region's Aboriginal population.

(Image: Google)

One student told how there were 'multiple' shootings at the school while a nurse confirmed to CBC News there were patients suffering gunshot wounds.

Noel Desjarlais told CBC News: "I ran outside the school.

"There was lots of screaming, there was about six, seven shots before I got outside.

"I believe there was more shots by the time I did get out."

In a statement circulating on Twitter, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police warned parents not to go to the school as the horror unfolded.

The ages of the deceased were not initially revealed but several are said to be children.

Posting on Facebook, the school said: "There is currently an emergency occurring at the Dene Building and we are asking the public to stay away while the matter is resolved by the RCMP.

"The elementary school is also under a lock down which will not be lifted until we hear that it is safe from the La Loche RCMP.

"We will not be allowing anyone in or out until we have a clear idea of what is going on."

Clearwater River Dene Nation Chief Teddy Clark told the Star Phoenix newspaper that the community is "devastated."

La Loche Community School is a pre-kindergarten to Grade 12 school, which houses about 900 students in two buildings.

There was an emergency at the building that houses grades 7 to 12, the school district's Facebook page said.

Both that building and the elementary school were put on lockdown.

(Image: Google)

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall issued a statement on the shooting but it did not contain details.

He said: "Words cannot express my shock and sorrow at the horrific events today in La Loche.

"My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims, their families and friends and all the people of the community.

Thank you to the RCMP and all the emergency personnel who responded quickly to the shootings.

"Saskatchewan Education and Social Services will be available to provide all necessary crisis support and counselling services to the school and the community."