Three police officers have reportedly been confirmed dead after a shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this afternoon.

Emerging reports suggest that seven police officers were shot in total near the Airline Highway in East Baton Rouge.

The Irish Examiner has reported that a manhunt has commenced in the area as one shooter is still on the run, while another has already been shot.

One eyewitness claimed the suspect is heavily armed.

According to the Sunday World, around 20 police officers wearing bulletproof vests are currently at the scene of the shooting which is now under investigation.

Earlier this month a man was shot dead by police officers five miles from the location of today’s shooting.

Feat image: Reuters