Seattle: Several people were injured after a shooting at Seattle Centre on Sunday evening, prompting a major police response as authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

The Seattle Police Department confirmed that multiple people had been shot and urged the public to stay away from the area while officers secured the scene.

"Police are investigating a shooting. Multiple shooting victims. Shots fired at the Seattle Center. More information to come. Please avoid the area," the department said in a post on X.

The shooting occurred during the annual Bite of Seattle food festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each year with hundreds of local food vendors and live music performances. According to CNN, the incident took place near an arena within the Seattle Centre complex, about a block from the city's iconic Space Needle.

Harborview Medical Center said it was receiving patients injured in the shooting, although officials have not yet disclosed the number of casualties or the severity of their injuries.

Two witnesses attending the festival told CNN affiliate KOMO they heard between seven and eight gunshots before crowds fled the venue in panic.

Following the incident, the Seattle Centre Monorail announced it would remain closed for the rest of Sunday and resume operations on Monday morning.

Police have not yet released details about a suspect or a possible motive. The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story.