A fatal explosion at a police training facility in East Los Angeles has claimed the lives of three officers, authorities have confirmed.

The blast happened around 07.30 local time (15.30 BST) on Friday morning at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training.

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department confirmed that the incident took place in a car park belonging to the Special Enforcement Bureau at the facility.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and it is not yet clear whether there were additional casualties beyond the three confirmed fatalities.

Employees initially believed that the blast had been an earthquake, according to KTLA.

It is understood that a bomb squad from the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad arrived at around 8.45 am local time.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as "horrific" in a post on X, confirming that federal agents had been deployed to the scene and were "working to learn more" about what happened.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has received a briefing on the explosion and is "closely monitoring the situation", according to a statement from his office posted on X.

The governor's office confirmed that state assistance has been offered to support the response efforts.

The explosion occurred at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility, which serves as a key training location for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Kathryn Barger, Chief of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said she was "closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected".

"My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff's Department during this difficult time," Barger added in her statement.