Five people have been injured, including one critically, after a shooting near Virginia State University (VSU) in Virginia, US.

Police say multiple suspects may have been involved and no arrests had been made following the incident.

Shooting Reported Near University Residence Halls

Officers responded to reports of gunfire outside a university residence hall at around 01:28 local time on Saturday, according to Virginia State University.

Five people were found with gunshot wounds and taken to local hospitals.

The university said four victims suffered injuries that were not considered life-threatening, while one person remained in critical condition.

Police Believe Multiple Shooters Were Involved

Local police told the BBC that investigators believe more than one shooter may have been involved.

Authorities have not announced any arrests, and the suspects remained at large as the investigation continued.

Chesterfield County Police are leading the investigation, with assistance from other local law enforcement agencies and Virginia State University police.

Campus Lockdown Lifted

The university temporarily placed the campus under lockdown following the shooting.

The lockdown has since been lifted, although a significant law enforcement presence remained on campus while officers investigated the incident.

The university urged students and staff to remain aware of instructions from authorities as the investigation continued.

Student Among Those Injured

Chesterfield County Police Lt James R Lamb told the BBC that one of the victims was a Virginia State University student, while another victim was under 18.

The identities and conditions of the victims have not been fully released.

Classes Due to Begin Monday

The shooting happened just days before the start of the university’s new academic term.

According to the university’s website, campus dormitories opened for returning students on Friday, with classes scheduled to begin on Monday.

The incident has therefore raised concerns among students and families arriving on campus for the new semester.

Investigation Continues

Virginia State University is one of the United States’ historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Police continue to investigate what led to the shooting and are working to identify and locate the suspects.

No arrests had been announced at the time of the latest update.