Apalachee High School shooting: Four dead, at least nine injured as suspect 'of student age' in custody

According to CNN, the incident took place at Apalachee High School and the suspect, who is of student age, is in custody. However, it is unclear if the person attends the school.

Shortly before 10.30am local time, multiple law enforcement agencies and Fire/EMS personnel were dispatched to the school following reports of an active shooter, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.

"Casualties have been reported, but details on the number or condition of those affected are not available at this time," the statement added.

Helicopter footage from WSB-TV showed dozens of police and emergency vehicles surrounding the school in Barrow County, approximately 50 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement, saying: "I have directed all available state resources to respond to the incident at Apalachee High School and urge all Georgians to join my family in praying for the safety of those in our classrooms, both in Barrow County and across the state." He added: "We will continue to work with local, state, and federal partners as we gather information and further respond to this situation."

The FBI's Atlanta office also released a statement: "FBI Atlanta is aware of the current situation at Apalachee High School in Barrow County. Our agents are on the scene, coordinating with and supporting local law enforcement."

Apalachee High School, which opened in 2000, is the second-largest public high school in Barrow County, with approximately 1,900 students. The school is named after the Apalachee River, located on the county's southern edge.