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Two students have been killed and 12 more people suffered gunshot wounds during a school shooting in the US, with a 15-year-old student arrested.

Authorities say the gunman was stopped part way through the shooting frenzy, which began shortly before 8am local time.

Marshall County High School, in Benton, Kentucky, was put on lockdown as authorities were called to the scene.

A girl aged 15 died at the scene, while a second student, a male also aged 15, died in hospital from his injuries.

The suspect, who police say was armed with a handgun, was arrested at the scene and faces murder and attempted murder charges.

Investigators have confirmed that 14 people suffered gunshot wounds, and a further five were injured in the attack.

Witnesses described panic at the scene, with terrified teens shouting "someone's shooting, someone's shooting".

(Image: WPSD) (Image: Twitter)

Kentucky’s Governor has said the slaughter could have been a lot worse but for the reaction of first responders.

Matt Bevin said: “There are so many first responders in this community who deserve extraordinary credit, starting in the moments immediately after it occurred, ensuring it was not a more painful experience than it already was.”

Lt Michael Webb revealed the gunman was stopped by officers from the county’s sheriff’s department.

He told reporters during a press conference: “This situation was interrupted, there is no way of knowing how far it would have gone.”

Two students have died and 14 people suffered gunshot wounds in the horrifying incident.

(Image: Google)

A suspect has reportedly been apprehended at the scene.

Governor Matt Bevin wrote: "Tragic shooting at Marshall County HS...Shooter is in custody, one confirmed fatality, multiple others wounded...

"Much yet unknown...Please do not speculate or spread hearsay...Let’s let the first responders do their job and be grateful that they are there to do it for us..."

(Image: Google)

Police are also investigating reports that several children are hiding in woods to the east of the school.

Kentucky State Police said it has secured the scene and the suspect is in custody and the FBI are also investigating.

FBI Louisville said it is "aware of a school shooting at Marshall County High School with multiple victims" and added it is "working with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners".

An air ambulance is at the school and the building remains on lockdown.

And it has been reported the pilot had gone to the school himself.

Video has been released live streaming what is happening at the school.

In the footage one student says: "I just called my mum, I don't even have my phone it's somewhere in the school."

Another person, believed to be a parent, said there were a lot of "personal items" scattered across the campus.

Before an official walked into the room and said he was helping students get on buses and call their family.

(Image: NBC4 Columbus) (Image: twitter.com/nbc4i)

And other students have taken to social media asking people to "pray" for them.

The tweet read: "pray for Marshall County High School, I am a student there and we just had a school shooter, multiple students injured, please pray for us."

She then added: "Shooter was apprehended, no further information can be given at this time, we just wish this doesn't happen again."

And a student under the username @MemeLords33 said he was safe but he thinks three or five people have been injured.