At least eight people have been injured after a shooting outside a mosque in Avignon in the south of France.

Early reports indicate that two “hooded” men, armed with a rifle and a handgun, pulled up outside the Arrahma Mosque at around 10.30 pm local time on Sunday in a Renault Clio.

The pair exited the car and opened fire on people gathering outside, injuring four. Another four people in a nearby apartment are said to have been injured by “shrapnel”, including a seven-year-old girl.

Police are other emergency services arrived on the scene and sought information on the suspects, who are still at large.

Avignon magistrate Laure Chabaud said the mosque did not appear to be the target of the shooting and has suggested the attack was probably stemmed from a gang dispute between young people. Police have ruled out a terrorist motive.

Police and prosecutors did not respond to requests for comment early Monday, according to the Associated Press.

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