Two people have been killed and nine others wounded after a gunman drove a vehicle into a church in Michigan

At least two people have been killed and nine others wounded after a gunman drove a vehicle into a church in Michigan and opened fire.

Police say the attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints in Grand Blanc, a town 60 miles northwest of Detroit, happened during a Sunday service that attracts hundreds of people.

The suspect, identified by police as 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford from nearby Burton, Michigan, allegedly also set part of the building on fire which has since been contained.

The alleged shooter was shot dead by police and authorities says there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Grand Blanc Township Police Chief William Renye told reporters that hundreds of people were attending services at about 10:25 local time when a gunman drove a vehicle into the building.

Renye says the attacker then opened fire with an assault-style rifle,firing several rounds at individuals within the church.

The police responded immediately to the scene adding officers engaged in gunfire with that particular individual, neutralising that suspect".

He was killed at 10:33 local time, seven minutes after the shooting.

Eight people with gunshot wounds are being treated in hospital. Seven are in stable condition, and one is critically injured, police said.

Investigators are conducting a search of the suspect's property and examining his cell-phone records as they work to establish a motive.

[Source: BBC]