Los Angeles restaurant shoot-out leaves three dead and 12 injured

Three people have been killed and 12 wounded after an argument at a Los Angeles restaurant ended in gunfire.

Police responders to the incident at the eatery, which operated out of a converted home in the neighbourhood of West Adams, said they found shell casings and blood throughout the scene.

Two potential suspects are being questioned.

A party was underway during the early hours of Saturday in the restaurant when an argument started, police said.

A man and woman left, but later returned and the restaurant, which had around 50 people inside, erupted in gunfire.

“When we got there, there were three people dead and people running everywhere,” LAPD Sgt Frank Preciado told the LA Times. “We had multiple people with gunshot wounds.”

The dozen wounded were transported to local hospitals, their conditions ranging from critical to stable but serious. Police did not release any details on the casualties.

Resident Sheryl Cobb said she was awakened by screaming and gunfire, but never left her home for fear of getting caught in crossfire. "Bullets don't have names on them," she said.

On Saturday morning, investigators were taking photographs and scouring the ground in an area that extended over two blocks. One firearm was recovered.

Mayor Eric Garcetti said he was confident police would unravel questions surrounding the shooting, and expressed sympathy for victims' families.

He said the incident was: "The latest example of a senseless gun violence epidemic that causes so much pain and sorrow in our city and across the nation.

"We cannot tolerate these tragedies multiplying in communities across America."

Associated Press