Four people have been killed and 10 wounded in a shooting at a child’s birthday party in California. The victims included both children and adults and early indications “suggest this may have been a targeted incident”, according to police.

The horrific incident happened in Stockton, California, at around 6pm local time on Saturday night at a banqueting hall which is understood to share a car park with other businesses. Police said the suspected shooter has not been caught and pleaded with the public for help. Detectives were still working to identify a possible motive.

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County sheriff’s office, told a press conference the event was “unfathomable”. She said: “This is a very active and ongoing investigation, and information remains limited.

“Early indications suggest this may be a targeted incident, and investigators are exploring all possibilities.”

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas added: “If you have any information as to this individual, reach out immediately. If you are this individual, turn yourself in immediately.”

Stockton is a city of around 320,000 people in northern California around 40 miles south of Sacramento. Mayor Christina Fugazzi said: “Families should be together instead of at the hospital, standing next to their loved one, praying that they survive.”

Stockton’s vice mayor Jason Lee wrote on social media: “Tonight, my heart is heavy in a way that’s hard to put into words. As Vice Mayor of Stockton — and as someone who grew up in this community — I am devastated and angry to learn about the mass shooting at a child’s birthday party. A birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives.

“Violence touched my life as a young person, and seeing our own children, parents, and neighbours go through this shakes me deeply. Stockton is my home. These are our families. This is our community.”

Officials said several people have been taken to hospitals but their condition is not yet known.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said in a statement on X: “California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the horrific shooting in Stockton.

“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is monitoring this evolving situation and coordinating with local law enforcement.”

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