Shooting rampage leaves 8 dead – including two children and a policeman

A shocking shooting spree in the US has left eight people dead - including two boys and a sheriff's deputy.

What we know: Multiple casualties. Deputy down, possibly more than five others dead. Suspect Cory Godbolt in custody. pic.twitter.com/2igIRQ15wO

— Therese Apel (@TRex21) May 28, 2017

The incident took place in Mississippi and the suspect has been apprehended by police, according to local reports.

Raw video from the arrest of Cory Godbolt, accused of killing 8 people in Lincoln County overnight. pic.twitter.com/8NLSkSvXQR

— Therese Apel (@TRex21) May 28, 2017

A Mississippi Bureau Of Investigation spokesman said the shootings occurred at three separate homes on Saturday night in rural Lincoln County, located around 100km south from the State capital of Jackson. Cory Godbolt, 35, is now in custody and was videoed around the time of his arrest by reporter Therese Apel. He can be seen in the resulting footage stating: "I ain’t fit to live, not after what I done." Authorities in Mississippi said it was too early to discuss a motive for the attacks. Guardian.com reports that two children - boys - are among the eight dead.

Suspect tells me Lincoln Co. deputy was just in the way, and after all this he meant to commit suicide by cop. pic.twitter.com/ZebieSQkdR

— Therese Apel (@TRex21) May 28, 2017

The dead sheriff's deputy has been named as William Durr. In the aftermath, Mississippi governor Phil Bryant issued a statement acknowledging the sacrifices made by law enforcement.

RIP Lincoln County Sheriffs Deputy William Durr #WeHaveTheWatch #ThinBlueLine pic.twitter.com/chT93LCN4y

— Oxford Police Dept (@OxfordPolice) May 28, 2017

"Every day, the men and women who wear the badge make some measure of sacrifice to protect and serve their communities,” he said. "Too often, we lose one of our finest. I thank the law enforcement agencies involved for their hard work."