University of Pittsburgh Medical Center spokesman says one of the dead was the gunman, according to police

A shooting at a psychiatric clinic in Pittsburgh has left two people dead and seven injured, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

The gunfire erupted at a university clinic on Thursday afternoon. UPMC spokesman Paul Wood said police claimed one of the dead was the gunman. Police were initially looking for a second suspect, but the medical center said police later reported there was only a single gunman.

A street was blocked off and a Swat team called to the scene. Neighbouring buildings were placed on lockdown. Most students are on spring break, although offices and buildings were open.

The Medical Center said it had received some patients from the shooting but did not say how many or what their conditions were.

Pete Finelli, who lives two blocks from the clinic and once worked there as a student nursing assistant, said security guards were always at the part of the building where the shooting is believed to have occurred.

Patient rooms are on the upper floors, he said, but anyone on the first floor would have to be someone either being admitted or discharged.

"The only place a person would be on the first floor is the emergency room," he said. Pitt sent out email and text alerts shortly after 2pm to warn people of the shooting.

"An active shooter has been identified at Western Psychiatric Institute. Several injured. Possible second actor in Western Psych. Lockdown recommended until further notice. If safe to do so, tell others of this message," the alert said.