Rhode Island hockey rink shooting leaves three dead and three injured

Three people have died and three others have been critically injured following a shooting at a high school hockey game in Rhode Island.

Police confirmed the gunman was among the fatalities at the Dennis M. Lynch Arena in Pawtucket on Monday.

The incident occurred in the stands while a match between two high school teams was underway.

Targeted attack suspected

Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves told reporters that the three surviving victims have been hospitalised in critical condition.

Investigators currently believe the violence was a targeted attack stemming from a family dispute.

The shooting took place at the facility located just a few miles outside of Providence.

Players flee as shots fired

The game was being livestreamed when gunshots rang out, capturing the moment players and coaches raced off the ice to safety.

Video footage circulating on social media showed the teams fleeing towards the exit at the opposite end of the rink.

Outside the venue, tearful families and players still in uniform were seen hugging before boarding a bus to evacuate the area.

Roads surrounding the arena have been closed and a heavy police presence remains at the scene.