Shooting spree in Missouri leaves nine dead, including gunman

At least nine people have been killed in a shooting spree in the US state of Missouri, authorities say.

Bodies were discovered at multiple crime scenes in a rural town in Texas County.

The suspected gunman is reportedly among the dead. He was found in a parked vehicle in Shannon County, according to police.

Texas County Sheriff James Signman told the Houston Herald on Friday that at least four crime scenes were involved in the shootings around the unincorporated community of Tyrone and possibly others outside of the county.

Troopers and deputies mobilized in the area, and authorities were knocking on doors at 3:45 am Friday, the newspaper said.

Officials have instructed staff at the Houston School District, near Tyrone, to arrive early for counseling sessions, the Herald reported. The did not elaborate why the measures were being taken.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has set up a mobile command post to investigate the incident.

Authorities are expected to hold a news conference at the Texas County Justice Center in Houston Friday morning at 9. They said more information will be released at the conference.