Deadly School Shooting Leaves 3 Children and Teacher Dead in Oregon

(Law enforcement arrived at the scene. Photo by LA Times)

A 16 year old boy shot dead three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, Oregon, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

A bystander then shot and killed the attacker after chasing him into the school.

The gunman shot at locked doors to force his way into the school.

A bystander saw the attack begin, followed him inside and shot him.

Police arrived about three minutes later and searched the school.

The children killed were aged five, eight and 11.

A seven year old and a 54 year old teacher were taken to hospital in critical condition.

It is not clear whether the attacker had any link to the school.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek praised the bystander for stepping in.

Steven Cook, the top administrator of the local school district, said the community is heartbroken.

Schools in Bend were closed on Friday so the community can grieve.

About 450 children attend the school.

Parents were kept informed through their children's Apple watches while the school was in lockdown.