The live footage apparently captured the gunman. Photo: BBC News

Augusta County Sheriff's Office has named the suspect as Vester Lee Flanagan. Known professionally as Bryce Williams, police said he was a former WDBJ7 staff member. His Twitter and Facebook accounts have now been suspended. Photo: BBC News

WDBJ7 TV reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, were killed during an interview in the town of Moneta, the TV station said.

A man, apparently a disgruntled former employee of the TV station, uploaded a video of himself shooting the reporter at close range on social media.

US media reports say he has subsequently shot himself - but is still alive.

Augusta County Sheriff's Office has named the suspect as Vester Lee Flanagan.

Known professionally as Bryce Williams, police said he was a former WDBJ7 staff member. His Twitter and Facebook accounts have now been suspended.

The attack took place at a large shopping centre, Bridgewater Plaza, near Smith Mountain Lake.

Ms Parker was starting a breakfast TV interview about tourism at the shopping centre when suddenly eight shots rang out, the camera spun and dropped to the ground, and her screams could be heard.

The footage then captures what appears to be a fleeting image of the gunman, who is wearing black trousers and a blue top - and holding a handgun.

The station said the woman who was being interviewed, Vicki Gardner of the Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, had survived the attack but was in hospital and required surgery.