A gunman has opened fire in a shopping centre in the US state of Nebraska, killing eight people before turning the weapon to himself, BBC reported on Thursday.

At least five people were wounded in the shooting at the Westroads Mall in Omaha.The condition of two of them remains critical.

Authorities have identified the gunman as Robert Hawkins, 19, from Bellevue. They said a suicide note had been recovered. Media reports suggest in the note he said he wanted to be famous.

Hawkins struck as the centre was crowded with Christmas shoppers. He is said to have suffered from depression in the past, and recently lost his job at a fast-food restaurant.

Witnesses spoke of shoppers screaming and scrambling to find safe shelter as the gunman struck.

Westroads Mall says it is the largest shopping centre in Nebraska, with more than 135 shops and restaurants.

"Having just visited with so many members of the community in Omaha today, the president is confident that they will pull together to comfort one another as they deal with this terrible tragedy," the White House said in a statement.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!