It is the deadliest school shooting in the United States since the Columbine massacre. At least ten people have been killed by a student who went on the rampage at Red Lake High School, in the northern state of Minnesota.

A teacher, a security guard and five youngsters were slain. Up to 13 others were injured before the gunman took his own life.

Authorities believe he had earlier killed his grandparents at their home. The student's grandfather is said to have been a veteran policeman whose weapons were used in the shooting spree.

Red Lake High School is on an Indian reservation near the Canadian border. Its name is set to become synonymous with bloodshed just like Columbine, Colorado where a High School killing in 1999 left 15 people dead.

PHOTO CAPTION

File picture shows police cars lined up behind a school bus. (AFP)