Three dead in shooting at mall in Washington State, suspect remains at large

Three people died in a shooting at a mall in Burlington, Washington on Friday night, and police say they are still searching for the gunman.

A spokesman for the Washington State Patrol, Sergeant Mark Francis, said on Twitter that the gunman fled the scene before police arrived at the Cascade Mall. The shopping centre, located 66 miles north of Seattle, was immediately placed on lockdown after reports of the active shooter.

Police responded to reports around 7pm local time shortly after the lone suspect walked into a Macy's department store armed with a rifle and opened fire, killing three people and injuring at least two others.

One of the victims is in critical condition and fighting for their life in the area's Harborview hospital.

Shoppers began locking themselves into dressing rooms and other sections inside the shopping centre, too frightenedto leave, Seattle television station KIRO reports.

Authorities began evacuating the building before rushing to provide aid to victims.

Gunman opens fire inside Washington mall

Stephanie Bost, an employee at the mall's Johnny Carino's restaurant, said a customer warned her of a shooting nearly 100 yards away. 'We went on lockdown' and shut the doors, she told The New York Times.

The mall is just 66 miles north of Seattle.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.