Six people were shot dead in a series of related shootings in northeastern Mississippi, authorities said on Saturday, adding that a suspect had been taken into custody and no longer posed a threat to the community.

Clay county sheriff Eddie Scott said the shootings occurred in the town of West Point, near the Alabama border, and involved three locations.

Minnesota ‘BURNS’: Americans ‘STORM’ Hotel Hosting ICE Agents, Chemicals Sprayed On Protesters

“Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with tragedy in our community,” Scott said in a social media post, adding that there were “multiple innocent lives lost due to violence”.The sheriff confirmed that one person was in custody but did not immediately release details on the suspect’s identity, a possible motive, or the circumstances surrounding the shootings.

He said further information was expected to be shared later on Saturday.“A suspect is in custody and no longer poses a threat to our community,” Scott said in another post.“I ask that you lift our victims and their families in your prayers,” he wrote. “Law Enforcement is busy investigating and will release an update as soon as possible.”Local media, citing the sheriff, reported that the six deaths occurred across three different sites. Authorities said a news conference was planned as investigations continued.No additional information on the victims or the sequence of events was released early Saturday.(With inputs from agencies)