Local media have reported that three people are in custody, while a fourth man who was involved in a stand-off with police has been found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No specific motive has been put forward by Dallas police. The shootings took place at a rally to protest the fatal shootings this week of black people by police in both Louisiana and Minnesota (more here).

The attacks came as the protest was ending at around 21:00 local time.

Dallas Police Chief David Brown said that shots were fired by snipers in elevated positions, in what appeared to be a carefully planned and coordinated attack.

Along with the five police officers killed, six more, as well as at least one bystander, are reported injured. (Euronews)