Eight people are dead after a gun spree in a small community in the US state of Missouri, according to local media reports.

It's emerged four of the seven victims were the gunman's cousins. The suspect was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

He's been identified as 36 year-old Joseph Aldridge, who's believed to have shot himself following the rampage in the town of Tyrone.

The body of his mother - 74 year-old Alice Aldridge - was also found, but it's understood she died from natural causes.

A sheriff's official in Missouri said the incident happened in "a very rural community where everyone looks out for everyone".