The three officers who were shot are in stable condition at a hospital, Los Angeles police chief Michel Moore wrote on social media.

Moore added that there was an “ongoing tactical scene with outstanding gunman” at the scene.

Live overhead images from CBS-affiliate KCAL-TV showed several police cars sealing off the area around the garage in the Lincoln Heights neighbourhood. Officers in full tactical gear were seen near the site where the suspected gunman is holed up.

A police helicopter hovered over the neighbourhood, telling residents over a loudspeaker to remain inside their homes, the Los Angeles Times newspaper reported.

The Times, citing unnamed police sources, said the officers who were shot are part of a canine unit and were seeking a suspect when they were fired at.