The man suspected of shooting and killing two police officers in ambush-style attacks in Des Moines, Iowa has been identified.

One officer was found dead around 1am local time in Urbandale, while the second was found dead around 1.30am in the city.

"Both officers are deceased. The shootings appear to have been ambush-style attacks," a statement from the Des Moines police department said.

Police are now seeking 46-year-old Scott Michael Greene, who has brown hair and green eyes.

He is believed to be armed and dangerous.

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Both officers were shot in their squad cars about three miles (5 km) apart, Des Moines Chief of Police Dana Wingert told a news conference.

"There is a clear and present danger to police officers right now," he said. "There is definitely danger out there right now."

Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek said there is "clearly danger" right now for police in the area because the victims were gunned down while sitting in their cars, and not involved in any incident.