During a Black Lives Matter protest in Texas yesterday, snipers shot and killed five police officers.

Another six were injured – some critically – in the incident which played out in reaction to the highly publicised police brutality against members of the black community in the United States.

"An intensive search for suspects is currently underway," explained Chief Brown of the Dallas Police Department. "No suspects are in custody at this time."

Taking to Twitter in the hours that followed the shocking turn of events in Dallas, many high-profile individuals shared their thoughts on the unexpected display of violence.

"These Dallas shootings are horrific," tweeted John Legend earlier this morning. "Killing these officers is morally reprehensible and completely counterproductive to keeping us safe."

Insistent that the situation between police and the black community requires a peaceful approach, he added: "Being against cops killing is not equal to being for killing cops. We need peace in our streets."

Equally stunned by the violence which erupted in Dallas yesterday, actress, Olivia Wilde, told Twitter followers: "It is truly tragic when a vicious few turn a peaceful protest into a bloodbath. Horrific and sad."

Sharing an image of a placard which read 'If you are not angry, you are not paying attention," former OC actress, Mischa Barton, wrote on Instgram: "All Lives Matter.

 

All Lives Matter

A photo posted by Mischa Barton (@mischamazing) on

Sharing her thoughts on the matter with 37 million followers earlier today, Demi Lovato tweeted: "My heart hurts. God help us" while Mandy Moore wrote: "The unending heartbreak on the news is just beyond devastating & infuriating. I'm at a total loss."

Meanwhile, Jar of Hearts singer, Christina Perri, offered her support to the families of those killed during yesterday's violence, writing: "Praying for the families of the officers killed tonight in dallas. praying we stop trying to end hate with hate."

"Only love can do that," she added in the post which has been liked thousands of times.

The Dallas protest was organised following Wednesday's fatal shooting of Philando Castile, who was shot by officers after being pulled over while travelling in a car with his partner, Diamond Reynolds, and her young daughter.