Three people have died and several others were injured after gunfire erupted at a food festival near Seattle's iconic Space Needle.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of multiple shots being fired, with police quickly securing the area and treating victims. Authorities have confirmed three fatalities, while several injured people were taken to hospital.

Investigators are working to establish the motive behind the shooting and have urged anyone with information or video footage to come forward. The incident has shocked festival-goers and the wider Seattle community as the investigation continues.