Three police officers have died, while two have been left in a critical condition after a shooting in southern Pennsylvania.

The suspected gunman is said to have been shot dead by law enforcement after officers came under fire while serving an arrest warrant in York County,.

Two police officers were taken to a local hospital, with a number of others being taken away from the scene in a Medevac helicopter.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro quickly arrived at the scene of the shooting after schools in the local area were ordered to be locked down temporarily.

In a press conference at York Hospital, Mr Shapiro said: “We grieve for the loss of life for three precious souls who served this county, served this commonwealth and served this country, and we continue to pray for the full recovery of those who are dealing with their wounds."

US Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the violence against the officers, writing on social media: "Violence against law enforcement is a scourge on our society and never acceptable. Pray for the officers involved."

A spokesman for York Police confirmed there is "no current active threat" to the rural community.

The spokesman said: “Our hearts and prayers go out to them, to the families of the deceased and the families of those officers who were wounded.

“There are simply no words that I can offer to assuage the grief that this community has experienced and unfortunately, will continue to experience.

“The grief will be unbearable, but we will bear it.”