At least two people are reported to have been killed in a shooting at a July Fourth parade in a Chicago suburb, with witnesses describing seeing bloodied bodies covered with blankets.

Local news channel WGN TV, citing unidentified police officer, said at least two people were killed and that the suspect was still at large.

According to The Chicago Sun-Times, the parade was stopped after just 10 minutes when shots were fired.

Several witnesses told the newspaper that they heard gunfire just after 10am and that hundreds of parade-goers – some visibly bloodied – fled the route, leaving behind chairs, pushchairs and blankets.

A Sun-Times reporter saw blankets placed over three bloodied bodies.

Police told people: “It is not safe to be here.”

Debbie Glickman, a Highland Park resident, told Associated Press she was on a parade float with co-workers when she saw people running away from the area.

“People started saying ‘there’s a shooter, there’s a shooter, there a shooter’.

“So we just ran. We just ran. It’s like mass chaos down there.”

Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider, who was at the event, tweeted: “Hearing of loss of life and others injured.

“My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!”

City leaders said on Twitter: “Police are responding to an incident in downtown Highland Park. Fourth Fest has been cancelled. Please avoid downtown Highland Park. More information will be shared as it becomes available.”