LOS ANGELES: Four people, including three children, were killed and 11 more were wounded in a shooting at a birthday party in the United States state of California, authorities said on Saturday (Nov 29), calling it a targeted attack that may have involved multiple gunmen.

The shooting took place Saturday evening inside a banquet hall in Stockton, a city northeast of San Francisco, where between 100 and 150 people had gathered for the celebration.

The four victims were aged eight, nine, 14 and 21, San Joaquin County Sheriff Patrick Withrow told reporters on Sunday. 

At least one of the 11 wounded was in critical condition, he said, adding he did not have more information about the others.

“We believe, from what we’ve gathered so far, that it appears to be multiple shooters,” Withrow said.

He called on the public to remain cautious as the investigation unfolds.