Los Angeles, Jan 5 (IANS): At least three people were killed and four were injured in a shooting at a bowling alley in southern California, authorities said.

The police tweeted about gunfire at the Gable House Bowl in the US city of Torrance shortly after midnight local time. "Reports of shots fired with multiple victims down... Investigation is ongoing. Please stay away from the area."

Police officials responded to the scene at 11.54 p.m. (local time). Witnesses said the shooting stemmed from a fight at the bowling alley, reports said.

"Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple subjects with gunshot wounds inside the location," the police said. "Officers began life-saving measures which included CPR and the use of a defibrillator. The Torrance Fire Department also treated individuals at the scene."

The identities of the victims were not released pending notification of next-of-kin. Detectives were investigating the shooting and working to identify the suspects, CNN reported.

One witness, Dana Scott, said there was a group of women that got into a fight inside the alley. As they were fighting, men got involved and about a minute later, gunshots were heard.

Once the gunshots rang out, people ducked and ran to safety, Scott said.

Gable House is described on its website as a gaming venue that offers bowling, laser tag and a full arcade.

Torrance, California, is a coastal city about 20 miles from Los Angeles.