An active shooter situation at the Islamic Centre of San Diego sent worshippers scrambling for safety on Monday, triggering chaos, mass evacuations and a huge police response after reports of gunfire and multiple victims at one of the city's largest mosques.

San Diego police confirmed officers rushed to the Islamic Centre of San Diego in the Clairemont neighbourhood shortly before noon local time after receiving reports of shots fired at the mosque on Eckstrom Avenue. Authorities described the incident as'active but contained'as heavily armed officers, SWAT teams and emergency crews flooded the area.

Mayor Todd Gloria acknowledged the unfolding emergency ina statement posted on X, saying he was 'aware of the active shooter situation' and that law enforcement personnel were working to secure the community.

'I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Centre of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement,' Gloria wrote. 'Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.'

I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement. Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.

Initial reports suggested multiple people may have been injured during the shooting, though authorities did not immediately confirm the number of victims. Officer Anthony Carrasco of the San Diego Police Department told reporters thatinvestigators believed 'people have been shot' after multiple emergency calls came in from the area.

Dramatic aerial footage broadcast by local television stations showed dozens of police vehicles surrounding the mosque, while officers carrying rifles moved through the complex.

Helicopter video also captured frightened children being evacuated from the property in organised groups as police secured nearby streets.

🇺🇸 WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENTActive shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego.Police are on scene at the ICSD, the largest mosque in San Diego County, at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue in Clairemont.Is that a police vest the victim's wearing??https://t.co/SAVXAIS7vdpic.twitter.com/vjnFpx6qNq

The Islamic Centre of San Diego is consideredthe largest mosque in San Diego Countyand also houses the Al Rashid School, which serves young students in the local Muslim community.

Source: International Business Times UK