At least three people have been shot dead at a mall in Indiana, United States.

The alleged shooter was also killed – by an armed civilian, said a police representative on Sunday evening (local time).

Two other people were injured.

The incident happened at a shopping center in the city of Greenwood on Sunday.

The shooter entered the mall's dining area and opened fire.

It was an adult man, the motive was unclear, it said.

According to the information, he had more ammunition with him and a suspicious backpack was found.

The alleged shooter was eventually shot dead by a 22-year-old man who was also at the mall and was legally carrying a gun.

It is a "good Samaritan" and a "hero", according to the police representative.

"We are devastated by another incident of this nature in our country, in our city," he said.

Fatal incidents involving firearms continue to occur in the United States.

Just two weeks ago, a 21-year-old man opened fire at an Independence Day parade in a Chicago suburb, killing seven people.

In the USA there is a debate about stricter gun laws - in many states the regulations are very lax.