A GUNMAN was still at large after a shooting in a town in the Australian state of New South Wales today left three people dead and another wounded.

Emergency services were called to two locations in Lake Cargelligo, a town of around 1,500 people, after 4pm local time. Two couples, a man and woman, had been shot in each location within minutes, Police Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said.

Both women and a man died. Another man was taken to hospital in serious but stable condition, he said.

The suspect’s name has not been released.

State police were working to locate the suspect and had sent resources from neighbouring districts to the town.

The town had been cordoned off to prevent the suspect’s escape.

Police used geotargeted text messages to urge the public to avoid the area and to tell local residents to stay inside. Local pub the Commercial Hotel was closed by 6pm local time.

“The offender is believed to have fled in a vehicle,” Mr Holland told reporters.

“The offender is mobile, hence … we’re asking people in those areas to remain inside their premises for their own safety.”

The shooting came on a national day of mourning as Australia remembered the 15 people shot dead at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 14.