Daijiworld Media Network- Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, Nov 8: One person was killed and three others injured in two separate shooting incidents at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina on Saturday, police said.

Addressing a press conference early Sunday, police said the investigation was still in its preliminary stages. They did not disclose details about any arrests or possible suspects.

Jason Swaim, assistant chief of the Field Services Bureau of the Winston-Salem Police Department, said the university campus and surrounding neighbourhood were secure following the incidents.

Police are investigating whether the two shootings were connected. Swaim also expressed condolences to the families and friends of the victims and those who witnessed the incidents. He said additional police personnel would be deployed on the campus in the coming days.

Authorities received the emergency call at around 9.45 pm local time on Saturday. The shootings took place on the day of the university's homecoming celebrations, which included a football game between the Winston-Salem State Rams and the Fayetteville State Broncos.

Describing homecoming as traditionally a time of celebration and togetherness, Swaim said the incidents had brought grief to the university community.

Emergency services audio recordings obtained by NBC News indicated that one of the victims had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. In another recording, an officer was heard requesting a second ambulance.

Police have not yet released further details about the circumstances surrounding the shootings.