At least five people were killed and 16 others injured while shooting in a July Fourth parade near Chicago.

Gunshots erupted in Chicago on Monday, July 4, when gunshots were heard from a nearby city.

At least five people were killed and 16 others injured while shooting in a July Fourth parade near Chicago.

Gunshots erupted in Chicago on Monday, July 4, when gunshots were heard from a nearby city. The parade was being held for American Independence Day. Media reported that several people were killed.

Chicago Sun Times reporter saw three bodies covered in blood and many injured. Initial assessment shows at least five dead and sixteen wounded.

Police in Evanston say that a suspect shooter is being sought.

"Assisting Highland Park Police following shootings on Parade Route," Lake County Sheriff's Department tweeted.

The municipality posted on its Facebook page that "the 4th of July party has been cancelled. Please avoid the centre of Highland Park." According to Illinois State Police the situation is still "ongoing".

Fear spread panic through the streets of this small, wealthy town along the shores Lake Michigan. Hundreds of people had gathered there in the morning to celebrate the 4th. Social media videos show residents fleeing.

Michael, a witness to the shootings who was interviewed by WGN, said that he saw a single gunman armed with a rifle and "crouching on the ground" advancing in a systematic, quasi-military fashion.