Police are hunting an active shooter in Lewiston, Maine, following reports of multiple victims in several areas.

One of the incidents reportedly occurred in a bar, with footage shared online showing multiple police vehicles in the Lewiston area. Local businesses were advised to lock down or close by authorities.

The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s office later released two pictures of the alleged suspect, seeking identification. The bearded man pictured wore a brown sweatshirt and dark trousers and appeared to be holding a large assault-style weapon.

The man appeared to be entering a bowling alley.

The force wrote: “Law enforcement in Androscoggin County are investigating two active shooter events. We are encouraging all businesses to lock down and or close while we investigate. The suspect is still at large.”

Lewiston public information officer Derrick St Laurent told The Sun Journal at about 8:15 local time that another shooting was reported at the Walmart Distribution Center on Alfred A Plourde Parkway.

A message put out online by Maine State Police advised members of the public to “shelter in place”.

“There is an active shooter in Lewiston. We ask people to shelter in place. Please stay inside your home with the doors locked. Law enforcement is currently investigating at multiple locations,” the force said. “If you see any suspicious activity or individuals please call 911. Updates to follow.”

A text sent out by Lewiston Public Schools urged anyone near or at the school for conferences to get in a safe place.

”We are going into lockdown. I will provide more information as it is available and appropriate,” the alert read.

Lewiston is about 36 miles north of Portland, Maine.

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