At least eight people were shot dead by...

The suspect, who is currently being searched for, was initially spotted by a police helicopter in a wooded area near the scene of the first three killings, but he opened fire on the aircraft, damaging the fuel system and forcing the helicopter to make an emergency landing.

However, state officials have not yet revealed official data on the number of those killed or their identities, the newspaper said.

"This is a horrific tragedy," Bob McDonnell, a spokesman for the governor of Virginia, was quoted as saying.

The newspaper said that state police identified the gunman as Christopher Speight, aged 38.

As the search for the attacker continues, police forces advised local residents to lock their doors and stay inside their houses.

MOSCOW, January 20 (RIA Novosti)