Six-year-olds and a teacher shot at US primary school

Two 6-year-old children and a teacher have been wounded in a shooting at a primary school in the US state of South Carolina.

The shooting happened about 2pm Wednesday (local time) at Townville Elementary School. One of the children has been flown to hospital by rescue chopper. At least one child is critical, Fox News reported, although it is believed the teacher may have only been grazed by a bullet.

The alleged shooter, a teenager, is in custody, deputy chief Taylor Jones said.

Meanwhile, police have confirmed a death was being investigated at a Townville address close to the school. The coroner's office said the death at the home and the shooting at the school "could possibly be connected".

The man, aged in his 40s, was found dead on a dirt road.

The mother of a student at Townville Elementary School told NBC affiliate WYFF that her daughter and classmates huddled in a bathroom.

A major police operation is under way at the school. Photo / AP

"Her teacher was shaken up. I know all the kids were scared. There was a bunch of kids crying," the unidentified woman said. "She didn't talk for about five minutes when I got her. I'm just so scared. I don't even want her to go to school now."

The mother said she was praying for the families of the injured.

Joey Taylor walks with his daughter Josie Taylor after the shooting. Photo / AP

Townville is in the far west of South Carolina, southwest of Greenville, and has a population of 194,692. The primary school has about 280 students.

The Oconee County Sheriff's Office said nearby schools were ordered to go into lockdown, and no one was permitted to enter school grounds until the all clear was given.