AT least 32 people are thought to have died when a gunman opened fire at a college campus in the United States.

The tragedy happened at the 26,000-student Virginia Tech College in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Reports from police said that the gunman is among the fatalities but there are at least another 28 people injuried.

Police said they believed that a gunman first opened fire killing one person at halls of residence at the college.

Then about three hours later and about a quarter of a mile away he opened fire again in a classroom where a majority of the deaths are thought to have taken place.