Five dead in LA police stand-off

The gunman was pronounced dead at the scene

US police say five people, including an armed officer and the gunman, have been killed following a 12-hour stand-off at a Los Angeles home.

The siege began after a man called the police claiming to have killed three of his relatives.

When a Special Weapons and Tactics (Swat) team entered the house, one was shot dead and another badly hurt.

Reports say police had tried using tear gas and a battering ram to enter the house, which was on fire.

Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell said the suspect was shot dead by police officers at the scene.

'Horrible tragedy'

The stand-off began at 2100 local time (0500 GMT) on Wednesday. Around 200 officers had surrounded the house in Winnetka, north of LA city.

Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell said the two shot officers had been inside the house, but police were able to get them out. They were rushed to hospital, but one died.

He also said the other officer had been seriously wounded and was undergoing surgery, but was expected to survive.

The dead officer has been named as 51-year-old Randal Simmons, and the wounded officer as James Veenstra, also 51.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he had visited the family of the dead officer.

"This is a very horrible tragedy and our hearts go out to all the members of the LAPD who also are grieving at this time," he said.

American broadcaster ABC said both of the officers had been with the LAPD Swat unit for more than 20 years, and this was the first Swat officer killed in the line of duty since the unit began in 1967.