Updated 23.45
A local sheriff has said 17 people were killed in a shooting at a high school in south Florida.
A suspected shooter has been taken into custody, and the sheriff said the suspect was not a current student at the school.
Broward Sheriff's Office said deputies were attending the scene at Stoneman Douglas High in the city of Parkland.
Local schools superintendent Robert Runcie confirmed to reporters there have been numerous fatalities, in what he described as an 'horrific situation'.
Sheriff Scott Israel later confirmed 17 people had died.
"I'm saddened to say that 17 people lost their lives."- Sheriff Scott Israel #stonemanshooting
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
Sheriff Israel said: "It's catastrophic. There really are no words."
Police initially said the shooter was still at large, but later confirmed a 19-year-old man was in custody.
In a statement, local school officials said: "Today, close to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School’s dismissal, students and staff heard what sounded like gunfire.
"The school immediately went on lockdown but is now dismissing students. We are receiving reports of possible multiple injuries. Law enforcement is on site."
Footage from local media showed the school surrounded by police and students being evacuated from the scene.
#BSO is working a developing incident regarding a report of active shooter located at 5901 Pine Island Rd, Parkland. Here's what we know so far: deputies are responding to reports of a shooting at Stoneman Douglas High. There are reports of victims. PIO will be on scene 3:15pm.
— Broward Sheriff (@browardsheriff) February 14, 2018
President Trump said his 'prayers and condolences' were with the families of the victims, adding that he and Florida Governor Rick Scott were 'working closely with law enforcement' following the shooting.
My prayers and condolences to the families of the victims of the terrible Florida shooting. No child, teacher or anyone else should ever feel unsafe in an American school.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 14, 2018
