News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Two teenagers, aged 14 and 18, have been killed in a shooting at a youth club night that left 17 injured, including two who are fighting for their lives.

Terrified youths - some as young as 12 -were forced to 'dodge bullets' and 'dive between cars' to escape the gunfire as parents arrived to collect their children from the Club Blu Bar and Grill.

Police have arrested three people in connection with the incident in Fort Myers, Florida, but have confirmed that it's "not an act of terror".

The shooting broke out during a 'teen swimsuit-themed' party in the early hours of this morning. Injuries range from minor to life-threatening, it was reported.

Children as young as 12 were caught up in the horror after shooting broke out at around 12.30am local time (5.30am UK time).

One of the victims has been named as promising basketball player Stefan Strawder, whose last post on Facebook said: "I'm thinking about going to this party, who all going?"

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: Rex) (Image: Rex)

The 18-year-old, who had aspirations to play Division I college basketball, died in hospital from his injuries, head basketball coach Evin Graham told local media.

Bre'anna Jones, said to be one of Stefan's cousins, wrote: "You were so talented, my God, I wish wish God could've waited a lil longer for you so that you could live out your dreams.

"All you knew was basketball. It don't make sense. It don't add up. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that you're 'gone'."

She added: "I love you cousin and you knew that, you have your wings now baby... the good die so young."

His cousin Napoleon Rayner posted: "My heart hurts, I'm furious and I can't stop shedding tears.

"I remember the day you were born and Auntee Step let me name you.

"I was so proud to know I was naming one of my little cousins.

"Little did I know how years later I would be even prouder of you when I would hear endless tales of your exceptional talent and feats on the court."

He added: "All you wanted to do was ball and make it out. Love you and rest in paradise."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: EPA) (Image: EPA) (Image: REUTERS)

Police have named the second victim of the shooting as 14-year-old Sean Archilles.

One father claims he discovered his son had been wounded in the gunfire after watching a video on Facebook Live of another teen lying in a hospital bed.

Marshall Bland said his 23-year-old son, also called Marshall, was grazed across the stomach, but he has since been released from hospital.

One of the victims who was injured in the shooting, Timothy Settles, posted a Facebook live video showing himself lying in a hospital bed.

He wrote: "I don't wanna die."

A wellwisher wrote: "Tim I got you man, I'm praying for you right here right now. You not gone leave us God said it and your heart said it.

"Please call me when you get a chance man. Please."

Police this afternoon released a statement, which said: "Investigators are working very hard to determine a motive.

"The Fort Myers Police Department would like to confirm that this incident is not an act of terror (as it has been referred) or terrorism."

Hospitals affiliated with the Lee Memorial Health System received 19 patients ranging in ages from 12 to 27 years from the nightclub shooting.

Lisa Sgarlata, chief administrative officer for Lee Memorial Hospital, said an additional victim was

pronounced dead at the scene, while four patients are still in their care.

Two have potentially life-threatening injuries and are in a surgical intensive care unit, Dr. Drew Mikulaschek told reporters at a news conference.

The club was hosting a Swimsuit Glow Party Sunday night where no ID was required, according to a promotion flyer.

Tatianna Nouhaioi told ABC News: "The kid I was holding in my lap, he was 14 years old that got shot.

"And then there was a little girl who also got shot and she was 13. One of the security guard's daughters got shot, so I mean there was kids 13, 14, 15, 16. It was a young kids' event."

Charlie Bang wrote: "They left the boy James laying there on the ground shot.. He was screaming for help and nobody came back for him...

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: NBC2 News)

(Image: Facebook)

"I was not going to leave him there like that bleeding out. I ran over to him and I told my brother to help me put him in the back seat.

"My heart goes out to the families of the 17 people that was shot and the 2 people that died."

Fox 4 spoke to Syreeta Gary, the mother of one of those caught up in the horrific scenes.

She said: "I just thank God my daughter is OK.

"She could have been shot. She was dodging bullets and running and dropping between cars.

"It's ridiculous that these kids have to go throught this. They can't enjoy themselves because of other people who have criminalstic minds."

Her daughter escaped unscathed but her friend was not so lucky: "She got shot in the leg when they were running for safety.

"It's sad that they have to run for cover."

Club Blu posted a statement on their Facebook page apologising for the night's events.

It read: "We are deeply sorry for all involved. We tried to give the teens WHAT WE THOUGHT WAS A SAFE PLACE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME. Ages 12-17.

"There was armed security as well as full security, inside and out. As the club was closing and parents were picking their children up.....that's when all this took place.

"There was nothing more we could of done as you see it was not kids at the party that did this despicable act."

One person died at hospital and two victims are in the intensive care unit. One person is in serious condition, and one person is critical condition.

Another person was admitted to the hospital in fair condition. All other victims were treated and released.

There are reportedly three different shooting scenes, but it is not known if they are linked.

The first scene is near the club, while the second and third locations are at junctions nearby.

A witness told WPTV that someone in a black Honda SUV was shooting randomly from the vehicle at the homes along the road at the third scene.

Reporters saw at least thirty shell casings in the area and cops investigating the incident.

(Image: NBC2 News)

Police are at the scene which eye-witnesses say is covered by at least two dozen evidence markers indicating bullet casings.

In a statement, authorities said the Fort Myers police and the Lee County Sheriff's Office were "actively canvassing the area looking for other persons who may be involved in this incident."

Just two months ago Florida was rocked by a gun massacre in which 49 people were killed - America's worst ever single shooting

Omar Mateen identified himself as an "Islamic soldier" and took hostages at gay nightclub Pulse.

The 29-year-old was shot and killed by Orlando police after a three-hour standoff.