Two police officers have been shot dead in their patrol cars in ambush style-attacks in Iowa.

Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) said the shootings took place on Wednesday morning.

Officers initially responded to reports of shots being fired at 1.06am, when they found an Urbandale Police Department officer had been shot.

Des Moines officers responded to assist but about 20 minutes later a DMPD officer was found shot, two miles away.

Des Moines Police Sergeant Paul Parizek said information was being gathered on the suspect, but did not want to share any further information with the public.

Mr Parizek added there was "clearly danger" for police officers in the area as the two victims were sat in their cars doing nothing wrong.

He said the department has doubled its force in order to protect themselves.