The bodies of five children and three adults all with gun shot wounds have been found by police inside a house in Utah.
Police went to a home in Enoch City for a welfare check and there they found the eight victims who all appeared to have been shot.
So far authorities have not given any information about the identities or relationships of the victims for at 4900 North block of Albert Drive.
A local school has said all five children studied there.
Police did not elaborate on the relationship of the victims or their identities.
“At this time, we do not believe there is a threat to the public or that there are any suspects at large. This investigation is still active and more information will be provided at a later time,” police said in a release.
“We don’t know why this happened and we’re not going to guess, we’re going to continue the police investigation in the home, going through all the details they can, making all the information available they can divulge from what’s happened inside. And we will have more information as it comes forward," said Enoch City Manager Rob Dotson.
"Eight people were found with gunshot wounds they were deceased, the feelings that are going on right now, nobody can describe what they are for those family members, friends, neighbours. There are no words to describe what it feels like to this community."
The horrific news has shocked a city of just 8,000 people.
"This is not normal, this is not something that happens often at all, and in a small community in rural Utah. We're all family, so this affects everybody and everybody had some connection to the individuals and some connection to the family," added Mr Dotson.
The five children were all pupils in the Iron County School District.
A statement from the district said a Crisis Intervention Team will be at schools to help pupils and staff who need help relating to the incident.
It read: "It is with deep regret that we inform you about a tragic loss to our school community. This afternoon, on Jan. 4, eight members of a family residing in Enoch with five students in our schools tragically passed away.
"This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school district, especially our students."
People in the local community have been quick to express their shock over the tragedy and offer their condolences.
"Prayers to all the families involved," said one person on Facebook and another wrote, "So sad."
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox tweeted: "Our hearts go out to all those affected by this senseless violence. Please keep the community of Enoch in your prayers."
