Three people were killed Saturday morning in a shooting at a shopping mall in the US state of Maryland, police said.

The Howard County Police confirmed on Twitter the deaths, adding that the identities of the victims remained unknown, Xinhua reported. One of the dead was located near a gun and ammunition, they said.

People inside the mall were ordered to stay in place until police clear each area safely. TV footage showed police surrounding the Columbia mall.

The entrance to the mall was blocked by the police right after the incident was reported. Roads near the building were also closed.

Two victims with minor injuries were taken to Howard County General Hospital, police said.

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Both the police and fire department officials were on the scene and authorities via Twitter advised people to avoid the area.

According to the police, so far, there is no confirmed motive in the shooting and they are working to identify the victims and shooter.

Some people are being released from the mall. They have been sheltering in place since the shooting in the morning.