UPDATE, OCTOBER 10: Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said two children were among the eight victims, while Police Chief Rick Lorah said the suspected gunman apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The original publication time and article address have been retained.

ERIE, Pa. — Eight victims and a suspected gunman died in a shooting in a residential area of Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, police said Saturday.

The coroner said two children were found dead inside the home. Local reporting also said two women were found fatally shot outside, while other victims were inside. Authorities had not released the victims' names or explained their relationship to the suspected gunman by late Saturday afternoon.

Early reports described nine people killed. The Associated Press later clarified that the total of nine includes the suspected shooter. Police said there was no continuing threat to the public.

City says deaths occurred before officers arrived

The City of Erie and its police department said officers reached the area near East Seventh and Perry streets within minutes of receiving a ShotSpotter gunfire alert shortly before 5 p.m. Friday.

Investigators determined that all nine deaths occurred before officers arrived and that no additional gunshots were fired after police reached the scene, according to the city statement. Officials said sounds that some residents may have mistaken for gunfire during the police response were flash-bang devices used in the tactical operation.

Police initially had limited information about whether the person responsible remained inside the home or continued to pose a threat. Officers secured the area, gathered information and sought a search warrant.

Motive remains unknown

Lorah said the suspected gunman's death appeared to be self-inflicted. Police had not announced a motive or publicly described what led to the attack.

The chief described the loss of life as unprecedented in his more than 28 years with the department. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he had spoken with Mayor Daria Devlin and offered state support.

The city cautioned residents against circulating unverified claims while investigators work to establish what happened. The correction to the initial total is especially important: nine people died in all, not nine victims plus the suspected shooter.

Sources: The Associated Press, published October 10; Reuters, published October 10 at 1:48 p.m. Eastern; City of Erie statement republished by TalkErie, October 10; WJET report syndicated by AOL, updated October 10; ABC News, updated October 10.

Lead image: flag of Pennsylvania via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Not a photograph of the shooting scene, victims or suspected gunman.