A POLICE deputy has been killed after five officers were shot in a dramatic incident at an apartment block.
Police were responding to a domestic incident at a home in Douglas County, Colorado, when they were shot according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's office said on Twitter: "Update, we have multiple deputies down, no update on their status. The scene remains active and please avoid the area."
At least eight ambulances raced to the scene following the shooting at about 5.15am on Sunday, which killed one deputy after five were shot at.
It is believed the gunman was shot and killed, after the sheriff's office said the suspect was "no longer a threat".
A civilian was also wounded in the early morning shootout, with at least seven people being taken to two hospitals.
Following the shooting, a heavily-armed SWAT team and the bomb squad surrounded a block of flats where the suspected gunman was believed to be holed up.
Images from the scene show police officers had gathered near the scene in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
The sheriff's office has issued a 'Code Red' on Twitter, instructing neighbours to shelter in place and stay at home.
Reporters covering the incident said they heard gunshots after emergency services arrived at the scene.
A source in the sheriff's office told KKTV that the situation is 'not looking good for us' as deputies were shot at.
A Douglas County Sheriff's Office spokesman said: "This morning deputies responded to he Copper Canyon Apartments for a domestic disturbance.
"During the Investigation, shots were fired and multiple deputies were injured. No status on the deputies and no status on civilian injuries. Please avoid this area."
The spokesman said earlier: "We have multiple deputies down, no update on their status. The scene remains active and please avoid the area."
Neighbouring police departments and the Colorado State Patrol were put on "accident alert" and will not be responding to minor incidents in order to free up resources.
Police accounts online were quick to offer their support to the injured officers.
The Colorado State Patrol tweeted: "We stand with our brothers and sisters in @dcsheriff, and pray for the best outcome possible. #bluelinefamily."
Oklahoma City Police tweeted: "Thoughts and prayers with @dcsheriff as they work calls of officers down in this active ongoing situation."