A GUNMAN stormed a Cathedral in Campinas, Brazil, shooting nine people before turning his gun on himself at the altar.

Five people were killed - including the shooter - and four others were taken to hospital after the attacker opened fire during mass, reported Campinas and Region.

10 A photo said to show the gunman slumped over a pew near the altar with a gun in his hand Credit: Focus On News

10 A body is removed from the scene of today's shooting atrocity Credit: AFP or licensors

10 Cops stand over one of the victims by the entrance to the cathedral Credit: Reuters

At least 20 shots were reportedly fired by the gunman, who has not yet been identified by the authorities.

However, an image of a man slumped over a pew near the altar with a gun in his hand has been confirmed as the suspect by police.

Officers said the armed suspect entered the cathedral around 1pm with a.38 calibre revolver.

He allegedly committed suicide in front of the altar after randomly targeting worshippers during mass just after noon.

10 A firefighter walks next to a victim killed at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Campinas Credit: AP:Associated Press

10 The Cathedral is currently surrounded by people desperately seeking to flee the area Credit: AFP or licensors

10 Emergency workers have described the scene as a nightmare Credit: Focus On News

Police chief, Hamilton Caviola, reported on the scenes recorded on security circuit cameras inside the church at the time of the incident.

He believes the gunman fired a hail of at least 20 shots and allegedly had two guns.

Chief Caviola said: "From the images, (the suspect) appeared to sit down about ten metres from the front of the door. He did not shoot at first but sat on a bench.”

According to Caviola, shortly after the alleged shooter entered, three people came in and sat on the pew behind him.

They were believed to be the first to be hit. One of the victims in this group is reported to have died.

10 News reports from Brazil show the injured being carried away on stretchers Credit: BAND NEWS URGENTE

10 Cops are still baffled about the motive for the bloody attack Credit: Focus On News

The chief continued: "(The suspect) used one gun, but it appears he had two with him.

“The motivation behind the crime will only be known when we identify him and know his history.

"For now from the images we watched on the security footage it appears he stopped, thought and executed the plan that he had in his head.

"He killed himself, but we believe a policeman must have shot him because he was shot in the rib. After being hit we think he fell and killed himself.”

Firefighter Alexandre Moraes said: "The people in the church were mostly elderly, innocent people, and he ended up firing on all these people. The scene is desperate, it is a great tragedy."

Initial reports say a woman aged 65, with upper body injuries, was taken to the Mário Gatti Hospital. She is reported to be out of danger.

10 An armed man has reportedly invaded the Campinas Cathedral in Sao Paulo, Brazil Credit: Alamy

10 A casket believed to contain a body is seen leaving the scene of the shooting Credit: Band News Urgente

An 84 year old man, who was believed to be hit in the chest and abdomen was taken to the same hospital and is undergoing emergency surgery.

A 40-year-old woman was taken to Unicamp of Clinics Hospital and is reported to be in a stable condition.

There is no information on what unit the fourth victim was taken to or the state of their health.

The area surrounding the Cathedral has been cordoned off and CCTV monitoring cameras showing the rescue by ambulance crew recorded the emergency operation in the area.

In a statement Campinas Municipal Authority said that it has mobilised all emergency units to the scene.

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Mayor, Jonas Donizette said: "(We are) appalled by the brutal crime and dedicate our prayers to the victims and their families."

The Archdiocese of Campinas lamented the tragedy on Tuesday posting a message on social media calling for people to pray for the victims.

It acknowledged the shooting and said in a statement: “The Cathedral remains closed for the care of the victims and the investigation by Police.

"Once we have more information, we will make it available. We count on the prayers of all in this moment of deep pain.”