Multiple shot at Colorado high school after gunman opens fire

Three people have been rushed to hospital in a critical condition after they were shot at a Colorado school, police have said. Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said a gunman opened fire at Evergreen High School, located 28 miles southwest of Denver, just after noon local time.

JeffCo emergency communications said there were reports of 'an active assailant in the area' at 12.40pm MST. 'If you have children who attend the school, please do not go directly to the school as it is still an active scene,' they wrote in an alert shared on X.

Jefferson County Sheriff later said that 'three people were transported to the hospital from Evergreen High School, all in critical condition'. The sheriff earlier said that at least two of the victims were students. They did not disclose whether the gunman had been arrested or identified.

According to local media, the shooter was another student, and they were also wounded amid the chaos. It's unclear whether they were shot or injured in another way. Photographs showed by police show several officers and sheriffs running towards the school wearing bulletproof vests.

Several emergency vehicles could also be seen lining the streets close to the school. Later on Wednesday, Jefferson County Sheriff said 'parent student reunification' had begun at a nearby elementary school, suggesting the gunman was no longer active.

The Daily Mail has contacted the sheriff's office for more information. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he was praying for the victims. 'I am closely monitoring the situation at Evergreen High School, and am getting live updates,' he wrote on X.

'State Troopers are supporting local law enforcement in responding to this situation. 'Students should be able to attend school safely and without fear across our state and nation. We are all praying for the victims and the entire community.'