Five people have been shot after a gunman opened fire during a funeral service in Detroit.

Mourners had gathered to pay their respects to a young car crash victim at the Greater Love Tabernacle Church on Plymouth Road when the bloodbath unfolded.

Police said a fight broke out just before 6pm on Friday as people were exiting the funeral.

The suspect pulled out a handgun before firing off several shots into the crowd, wounding four people, per officials.

An officer stationed in the area then returned fire and struck the gunman before taking him into custody, according to officials.

The officer was unharmed and was deemed a hero by Police Chief Todd Bettison.

The victims are all in their twenties, according the Mayor Mary Sheffield. They were all struck in their lower extremities and are expected to survive.

Bettison said officers were posted at the funeral home in anticipation of violence breaking out.

Officials are unclear what started the altercation.

Multiple people have been shot near the Greater Love Tabernacle Church in Detroit, Michigan

The suspect pulled out a handgun before firing off several shots into the crowd, wounding four people according to Police Chief Todd Bettison

 The violence unfolded outside the church as mourners were exiting a funeral, police said

‘Our officer is absolutely a hero,’ Bettison said. ‘You don’t come to work expecting to have to do this, but the officer saw the threat and took action.’ 

Mayor Sheffield also addressed the violence in a statement, saying: ‘My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and this congregation. I am grateful that all of the victims are expected to survive.

‘A place of worship should be safe. I want to thank the Detroit Police Department for the intelligence work that put officers in position to protect this congregation, and for the courage they showed today.’

The church also released a statement to social media noting that they are working with authorities.

‘We have been praying every day at noon and sincerely believe God’s covering interceded what could have been worse,’ the post reads.

An additional statement was released by the funeral home: ‘Our hearts are with the individuals who were injured, their families, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence.’

‘What should have been a time for remembrance, healing, and support was disrupted by an incident that has affected our entire community.’

Officials said they believe the shooting was an isolated incident and poses no threat to the public.