Police officer 'shot at Virginia Tech'

A police officer is reported to have been shot at the Virginia Tech university campus, scene of the worst mass shooting in modern US history.

A second victim has been reported at a nearby car park, and authorities are looking for the gunman.

A campus-wide alert has been issued, telling students and staff to stay inside and lock doors.

The shooting comes on the same day as Virginia Tech is appealing against a $55,000 (€41,284) fine imposed by the Education Department in connection with the university’s response to the 2007 rampage by a student gunman who killed 32 people and then himself.

The suspect in today’s shooting is described as a white male wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a grey hat with neon green brim, a maroon hoodie and a backpack.