New Orleans Mother's Day parade shooting ( Shooter Bottom Left of Screen ) (VIDEO)

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Almost two dozen people including two 10-year-old children have been injured after as many as three gunmen opened fire at a 'second line' of a parade on Mother's Day in New Orleans. Three people remain in critical condition following the shootout.

Up to 400 people were participating in the neighborhood festival on Frenchmen Street, situated in the east of the city, when several shots were fired. The incident occurred around 2pm local time (19:00 GMT) on Sunday.

"We have mothers, sisters, little children who were shot," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu told local press.

Nine people were immediately taken to University Hospital by emergency responders, eight of whom were suffering from gunshot wounds, according to local channel WWLTV. One more being treated was injured in an attempt to escape from the shooting.

A New Orleans doctor confirmed to reporters that he has had to treat 'severe injuries' including wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Further victims were taken to different hospitals in the region.

The majority of the injuries are not considered life-threatening, and no fatalities have been confirmed, but three are reportedly in a critical condition.