A woman shot two police officers dead before firing a bullet into her chest just a few feet away from a child sitting with her in a car.

The horrifying events unfolded outside a Motel 6 in Bay St. Louis in Mississippi, USA, in the early hours of Wednesday, 14th December.

Police had been called to the scene to carry out a welfare check.

Officers Branden Estorffe and Steven Robin had found suspect Amy Anderson sitting inside a parked vehicle with a minor at around 4.30am.

A statement from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations said: “After nearly a 30-minute interaction with Anderson, during which time Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services was called, Anderson discharged a weapon from inside the vehicle striking both officers.”

Steven, 34, died at the scene, while 23-year-old Branden was taken to a local hospital. However, he, too, later died from his injuries.

Gun-wielding Anderson, 43, is reported to have died after shooting herself in the chest.

In a statement obtained by Newsflash, Pascagoula Police Department said: “Law Enforcement agencies across the MS Gulf Coast are hurting today.

“We come together to honor the sacrifice and service of the two Bay St. Louis Officers, Sergeant Steven Robin and Officer Branden Estorffe, who were killed in the line of duty this morning. Officers escorted them to the MS State Crime Lab.

“We appreciate each of you who pulled over, bowed your heads and showed your respect. Please continue to keep our MS Gulf Coast in your thoughts and prayers.”