The shooting took place at Northern Illinois University, in De Kalb, 65 miles (100 km) west of Chicago.

Students told local radio stations they had seen a white male with a pistol and a shotgun.

Several people have been taken to hospital with serious head wounds. Police in DeKalb say the gunman is dead, according to media reports.

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On Thursday, Kishwaukee Community Hospital said on its website up to 15 victims were arriving for treatment, including three to four with head wounds.

The shooting took place in Cole Hall near the King Commons, a central gathering place for the 25,000 students on campus.

A student named John told local radio station WBBM that the gunman entered a lecture theatre and began firing a shotgun on the more than 100 students inside.

"He pointed it into the middle of the class... then he went for the teacher," John said.

Online alert

The university's website first issued alerts, warning of the possibility of a gunman on campus.

"Get to a safe area and take precautions until given the all clear," it warned students.

The site then carried updates confirming the shooting and telling students to stay away or stay in doors. It then said the gunman was "no longer a threat".

Emergency hotlines and counselling are being offered for students and parents.

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(BBC)

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