Mass shooting erupts at crowded family-friendly restaurant in South Carolina as four are killed and 20 injured

A mass shooting at a crowded family-friendly restaurant in South Carolina left four people dead and at least 20 customers injured, according to police.

The horror unfolded around 1am Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island, about two hours from Charleston.

Deputies with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene after multiple gunshot reports came in.

When authorities arrived, they witnessed a massive crowd and several people suffering from gunshot wounds, the department said.

Hundreds gathered at the establishment, known as ‘a hub of warmth and friendship in the heart of our beloved community,’ according to the restaurant’s website.

Multiple victims and witnesses ran for their lives to nearby properties and businesses seeking shelter, police said.

A total of four victims to transported to local hospital in critical condition by Beaufort County EMS. Four unidentified victims died at the scene.

At least two dozen were injured by gunfire and showed up to the hospital on their own with injuries, per authorities.

A deadly mass shooting took place around 1am Sunday at Willie’s Bar and Grill in St. Helena Island, South Carolina (pictured)

Police are seen outside the restaurant following the fatal shooting Sunday morning

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they are currently investigating ‘persons of interest’ and have asked the public to come forward with any information.

‘This is a tragic and difficult incident for everyone,’ the department said.

‘We ask for your patience as we continue to investigate this incident. Our thoughts are with all the victims and their loved ones.’

St. Helena Island is known for its ‘rural character’ that offers agriculture and fun activities like shrimping and fishing, according to Visit Beaufort.

The sea island is known for it’s family-run restaurants that often serve local produce and fresh seafood.

This shooting comes just weeks after a man opened fire at a packed dockside restaurant in Southport, North Carolina.

The accused shooter, Nigel Edge, 39, was taken into custody after he allegedly shot at the American Fish Company restaurant, a popular tourist hotspot, on September 27.

The eatery is known as ‘a hub of warmth and friendship in the heart of our beloved community’

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said they are currently investigating ‘persons of interest’ and have asked the public to come forward with any information

Several shots rang out before Edge allegedly fled the scene on the Intracoastal Waterway toward Oak Island – about 40 minutes outside of Wilmington – in what officials referred to a a ‘premediated attack.’

Three people were killed and six were injured in the horrid incident.

Edge, who cops described as a ‘lone wolf’ in the incident, was armed with an assault rifle, police said. Other firearms were also found in his vehicle.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.