NEW YORK

Nine people were killed Sunday after gunfire erupted between rival motorcycle gangs in a restaurant in Texas, in the U.S., according to local media.

Eight of the victims died at the scene and a ninth in hospital, -- all were bikers.

The shootout reportedly occurred Sunday afternoon at the Twin Peaks Sports Bar and Grill in the city of Waco, where more than 100 bikers had gathered.

Police believe at least five gangs were involved in the deadly gunfire, which also left at least 18 wounded.

"Large contingent of officers from all levels working in cooperation to process one of the worst crime scenes I have seen in 34-years of Law Enforcement", Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said on Facebook.  

The violence started in the restaurant's restrooms and quickly spread to the bar before spilling out into the parking lot, local Waco Tribune-Herald newspaper said.

The restaurant was a regular hangout for biker gangs, and police blamed its management for setting up an atmosphere that paved the way for Sunday's melee, the daily said.

Two of the gangs involved have been reportedly identified as the Bandidos and the Cossacks.

"Every agency in our area has worked with us today to help on a horrific crime scene", he added.

The incident prompted authorities to shut down Central Texas Marketplace where the restaurant was located for the rest of the day.