Lt David Ellis of the police department said the man killed three adults and three teenagers before killing himself. Eight more were hospitalised, some in critical condition, he said. There was no motive for the shooting.

Reports said several ambulances rushed to the Wedgwood Baptist Church to take the injured to hospital. Local media quoted witnesses as saying the gunman was a tall bearded man with long hair, dressed in black.

They said he walked calmly through the main door of the church and opened fire. Witnesses said he also told the congregation to ``stay still'' while he fired. Just after the shooting, a pipebomb exploded inside the church, but no injuries were reported.