At least five people have died and 19 have been taken to hospital following a shooting at a July 4th parade in suburban Chicago.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the parade started around 10 a.m. but was abruptly halted 10 minutes after gunshots were fired.

Hundreds of parade participants, some covered in blood, fled the parade route, throwing chairs, prams and blankets.

Highland Park police said five people were killed and 19 were taken to hospitals.

Police said authorities are still searching for the suspect.