Shooting sparks Detroit holiday event lock down

Three people have been left injured and an annual holiday event cancelled after a shooting in the streets of Detroit, Michigan.

Police believe an altercation occurred around 7.30pm local time this evening, with five to seven shots fired outside the Detroit Institute of Arts, local publication Detroit News reports.

Three people were subsequently taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The incident led to the cancellation of all Noel Night festivities. The neighbouring Wayne State University was also placed on lock down and members of the public have been advised to avoid the area.

Diners at a nearby cafeteria have recalled being forced to seek cover in the kitchen.

“Next thing I know, I’m throwing my plate away and there people running and pushing us into the kitchen,” 54-year-old John Tsakos told Detroit News.

“Then they shoved us out at Farnsworth Street, where the shooting happened.

“I didn’t know what to think.”

Detroit Police Assistant Chief Arnold Williams said the event has previously attracted “groups of small disturbances”.

Three people were injured earlier this year after two shootings at a Detroit fireworks show on June 26.

Noel Night occurs on the first Saturday of December in the Midtown area of Detroit’s Cultural Centre and involves a range of family-friendly activities.