SEVEN people were rushed to hospital today after a shooting at a Halloween party called "The First Purge".

Partygoers ducked for cover behind the bar and fled the Sevilla Nightclub as a dozen gunshots rang out just after midnight in downtown Riverside, California.

10 At least one victim is in critical condition, according to the Riverside Fire Department Credit: CBS

The Riverside Police Department responded to a call about a shooting inside and outside the nightclub at 12:04am local time.

When they arrived on the scene they found two victims with gunshot wounds and paramedics took both to hospital.

A police spokesperson confirmed the other five gunshot victims transported themselves to local hospitals.

The Riverside Fire Department said at least one victim is in critical condition.

10 One partygoer shared a video on Snapchat of the aftermath of the shooting Credit: Snapchat

10 The video seemed to show heavy police presence Credit: Snapchat

10 Police responded to reports of a shooting just after midnight in Riverside, California Credit: CBS

A spokesperson from the fire department added that at least two other people suffered minor injuries from the stampede of people trying to leave the club, but they were not hospitalised.

One terrified witness told KABC about how a bullet flew over his head.

He said: "A bullet flew over my head. My hat fell off and I started touching my hair and then I felt something go over my head.

"I dodged it by the grace of God."

LA nightclub shooting – Seven people shot at Sevilla bar during 'First Purge' Halloween party

10 Seven people have been shot at a nightclub just outside Los Angeles Credit: RMG news

Riverside police say they have launched an attempted murder investigation.

Furthermore, detectives from the Robbery, Homicide Unit, Gang Intelligence Unit and Technicians from the Forensics Unit are working on the investigation.

A police cordon is still in place as authorities are working through the early hours of Monday morning.

He added none of the injuries are life-threatening.

There was some initial misinformation describing this incident as a”mass shooting.“ It was not and detectives from our Gang Unit are following up on leads to identity the suspects involved. None of the injuries are considered life-threatening. https://t.co/F2GkrmKkLS — RPD PIO (@RPD_PIO) October 29, 2018

10 Police confirm they have launched an attempted murder investigation Credit: CBS

Police suspect there could be more than one shooter but have not confirmed how many suspects they are looking for, according to local reports.

Police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback has said that the incident is not considered a "mass shooting" and that the Gang Unit is following up leads to identify suspects involved.

There are currently no suspects in custody and no motive has been identified.

Police say the shooting appeared to be gang-related and started as a fight between two groups of people, according to local reports.

10 Partygoers fled the club so far they dropped belongings on the floor Credit: Gigi Graciette /FOX 11 Los Angeles

One traumatised witness told CBSLA that he heard at least 10 gunshots.

He said: "People started falling to the ground, and I thought people were fighting or dancing at first.

“And I turn around, and then people started shooting and then I ran behind the bar and then all of a sudden there was a whole bunch of people crunched up by exit.

"I kept thinking 'why is no one running?' and as soon as they started running I heard automatic gunshots, there was like 10 in a row.”

10 One person's glasses were left at the scene Credit: Gigi Graciette /FOX 11 Los Angeles

A watch and jewellery can be seen on the ground as partygoer's personal belongings were left behind as many fled the scene in a panic.

Another witness at the club said fights broke out on the street after people fled the venue.

One person who was inside the club when the shooting happened described the terror on Twitter.

They said: "I was at Sevilla’s nightclub and they were shooting the place up.

10 One witness told local news how people tried to hide behind the bar Credit: Google

10 The club was hosting a Halloween party at the time the shooting happened Credit: Google

"I lowkey freaked out. I’m glad my friends and I are okay and I love all my friends for calming me down while we were in there when shots went off."

Riverside is about 55 miles (88.5 kilometres) inland from Los Angeles.

The nightclub has not released a statement in regards to the shooting at this time.

Sevilla Nightclub advertised that artists RJ, Falan FRFR, 1 Take J, Blue Face and Spank Nitti James were going to be performing, according to its Facebook page.

#BREAKING: 6 people shot at Sevilla nightclub in Downtown Riverside during a Halloween party. Police there's possibly more than 1 shooter. No suspect/suspects in custody. @NBCLA — Daniella Guzman (@DaniellaNBCLA) October 29, 2018

I was at Sevilla’s nightclub and they were shooting the place up. I lowkey freaked out. I’m glad my friends and I are okay and I love all my friends for calming me down while we were in there when shots went off. — Marquitos ✨ (@titoritos_) October 29, 2018

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The club's event advertisement appears to be deleted.

The Sun Online has contacted representative for Sevilla Nightclub.

Their event was called "The First Purge" and it was based on the 2018 horror film where all crime becomes legal for 12 hours.

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