Details are emerging of the identities of victims after at least 12 people were killed and around a dozen more injured in a mass shooting at a bar in Thousand Oaks, California.

The shooting began late Wednesday night in the Borderline Bar & Grill, sending people diving under pool tables and other furniture for cover. Witnesses and victims said that stools were thrown through windows to enable bar patrons to get away from the hail of bullets.

A college country music night was underway when the gunman - dressed in black - shot a security guard who was standing outside the bar before entering. Witnesses suggested a smoke grenade may have been thrown.

Officials identified Ian David Long, of nearby Newbury Park, California, as the suspected shooter. Long was killed at the bar, and police said he carried out the massacre with a legal .45-calibre handgun that he had fitted with an extended magazine illegal in California. He had apparently shot himself.

Police first began identifying victims of the Thousand Oaks attack less than 12 hours after the gunman’s last shot rang out, including Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office. In a press conference on Thursday, Mr Dean praised the work of his office — including the sacrifice from Mr Helus — for working fast in response to the shooting at the packed college night bar. At least five off-duty law enforcement officers helped to protect people.

( EPA )

Cody Coffman, 22, was also killed, according to his father Jason. Mr Coffman broke down as he told reporters how his last words to his son as he went out that night were not to drink and drive and that he loved him. He added: “Oh Cody, I love you son.”

The family of 23-year-old Justin Meek said he was also killed, according to California Lutheran University President Chris Kimball, who said in a statement that Mr Meek ”heroically saved lives”.

Another victim, Alaina Housley was just 18, and was a promising student at Pepperdine University with plans to study law, her family said.

Other victims include Noel Sparks who was a youth camp leader and Moorpark College student. The death was announced by United Methodist Church Westlake Village. "It is with heavy hearts that we notify you that Noel Sparks was among the victims of last night's shooting. We grieve with Tony Sparks and Wendy Anderson," the church said in a statement.

Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Show all 10 1 / 10 Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Emergency services attend the scene AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People walk away from the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Emergency service vehicles flood the scene Reuters Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police officers secure the road EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police block an intersection by the scene of the shooting AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures A woman hugs with her father at the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Survivors are interviewed at the scene EPA Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures Police officers interview people at the scene AFP/Getty Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People wait near the scene of the shooting AP Thousand Oaks shooting: in pictures People walk away from the scene of the shooting AP

Daniel Manrique, 33, was a Marine veteran and focused on helping other veterans adjust to civilian life, according to friends. “I have no doubt that he died a hero, shielding others from gunshots. He will forever be our hero, son, brother, and the best uncle anybody could ever ask for,” Gladys Manrique Kosack, a family member said.

Telemachus Orfanos was identified by his mother who said the he had survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas last year. Jake Dunham and Blake Dingman, both 21, were identified by local Los Angeles outlet ABC7.

Sean Adler, a bouncer at the bar and former wrestling coach at Simi Valley High School, perished in the California shooting and was remembered by the local wrestling community.

Follow how events unfolded in our live blog below: