A FOURTH of July parade descended into chaos following reports of gunfire that sent hundreds running for safety.

First responders raced to the Highland Park Fourth of July parade in Illinois following reports of shots fired shortly after 10am on Monday.

The parade was stopped about 10 minutes after it kicked off at 10am when gunfire erupted.

The Chicago-Sun Times is reporting multiple parade-goers have been shot; however, police have yet to comment on the incident.

Several witnesses told the outlet that they heard multiple shots fired, and at least five people lying on the ground in pools of blood.

Photos from the scene showed chairs, baby strollers and blankets scattered across the event grounds as frantic parade-goers sought cover.

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Police on the scene were reporting heard telling people: "Everybody disburse, please. It is not safe to be here."

The Illinois State Police is calling the incident an "active shooting situation" and is assisting Highland PD and the Lake County Sherriff's Office.

Illinois Rep. Bob Morgan said he was at the parade at the time and confirmed "multiple injuries".

"For those unaware, there was a shooting at the Highland Park Parade. I am ok, but there have been multiple injuries. Please stay out of the area, stay safe, and please pray for those injured," Morgan tweeted.

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Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering confirmed police are responding to an incident in the downtown area and that the Fourth Feast has been canceled.

US Rep. Brad Schneider said his office is gathering information on the shooting and are in touch with the mayor.

"Today a shooter struck in Highland Park during the Independence Day parade," Schneider tweeted.

"Hearing of loss of life and others injured. My condolences to the family and loved ones; my prayers for the injured and for my community; and my commitment to do everything I can to make our children, our towns, our nation safer. Enough is enough!"

The village of Deerfield canceled its Family Days at Jewett Park following the shooting at Highland Park.

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