A video uploaded to Facebook Live has captured a shooting which left three men in hospital and two others with life-threatening injuries.

Facebook user TJ Williams streamed a video showing three men sitting in a car, smoking and listening to music. Gunfire is suddenly heard and the phone is dropped.

Around 30 gunshots can be heard in the video. Photos from the scene show bullet holes in the side of the car.

Passers-by call emergency services and comfort the victims before the ambulance arrives.

“Stay calm, stay relaxed, don't go to sleep,” a man says. “Give me your hand. I got you. Stay with me, stay with me. They coming, they coming to get you.”

Police in Norfolk, Virginia, say the shooting occurred on Tuesday evening in the suburb of Berkley.

“Upon arrival, officers located three men inside a vehicle suffering from apparent gunshot wounds,” the police department said in a statement.

“All three men, ages 27 and 29, were taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital with significant injuries.”

Police later confirmed that two of the victims had life-threatening injuries.

Authorities are investigating the video in relation to the incident.

Technology and smartphones have helped to illustrate several shootings in recent weeks.