Chaos and uncertainty in Alabama in the United States after a school bus driver is shot dead by a lone gunman who then escaped with a young boy from the bus and is currently holding him hostage.

Michael Senn, Minister: "From what we understand, and it's hearsay at this present time, that the man jumped on the bus and told most the kids to get off the bus and the kids went running down the road to the church and he grabbed the little five year old boy and took him hostage and shot the bus driver four times from what we understand.

"From what we understand the SWAT team is on the scene but they're being very cautious for the safety of the little boy."

Dale County school and all others in the area are closed today as investigations continue to try and find the youngster unharmed.

Written and presented by Marverine Cole