A 45-year-old man is facing eight counts of first degree murder after a mass shooting at a United States nursing home.

Robert Stewart opened fire at the centre in North Carolina which cares for the elderly and Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Detectives have yet to establish a motive.

Police Chief Chris McKenzie said: "A lone gunman arrived at Pinelake Rehabilitation Nursing Home. He shot a total of 11 individuals both inside and outside the facility."

Seven residents and a nurse were killed while three others were wounded.

Eyewitness News

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