US mental facility knife attack injures 7

Seven people have been hospitalised after a knife attack at a mental health facility, US officials say.

(AAP) Source: AAP

US local authorities say seven people have been taken to the hospital after a knife attack at a mental health facility near Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County police say the situation on Friday afternoon is under control.

A Pittsburgh television station says the armed man was shot by police and subdued at Turtle Creek Valley Mental Health/Mental Retardation in Homestead.

Employee CJ Fulton told WTAE that the man pulled a gun as he complained that a prior stay at the facility had "ruined" his life.

The centre's executive director described what happened as a "hostage situation on the fifth floor" and said the man also threatened staff with a knife.

WTAE reports that a lockdown has been lifted at a nearby primary school.