One person has reportedly been killed after a shooting at Michigan State University – with a search under way for a lone gunman in a mask .

Police said there were “multiple reported injuries” and described the suspect as “a short male with a mask, possibly Black”.

He is believed to be on foot.

A spokeswoman for Michigan State University confirmed to The Detroit News there had been one fatality.

“There have been shots fired near Berkey Hall on the East Lansing campus. Please secure-in-place immediately. Police are active on scene,” said a tweet from the university force.

They urged people on and off campus “to shelter in place” as they search for the attacker.

Police later said there had been “another reported shooting” on site, adding: “There are multiple reported injuries.”

The incident began around 8.18pm local time.

Lisa McClain, US representative for Michigan, tweeted: “There are reports of an active shooting on campus at Michigan State University.

“If you are there, police instructions are to Run, Hide, Fight. I am praying for all Spartans right now.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said on Twitter that state police, university police and local officers were at the scene.