Crime scene ... People at the Central Texas Market place watch a crime scene near the parking lot of a Twin Peaks restaurant Sunday. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

The violence erupted shortly after noon at a busy Waco marketplace along an interstate highway that draws a large lunchtime crowd. Waco police Sergeant Patrick Swanton said eight people died at the scene of the shooting at the Twin Peaks restaurant and another person died at hospital, all were members of a biker gang.

Arrested ... Bikers wait in a line as law enforcement officers investigate the parking lot of a Twin Peaks restaurant. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

Another 18 people were taken to hospitals with injuries that include stab and gunshot wounds. Some victims are being treated for both, he said.

“This is probably one of the most gruesome crime scenes I’ve ever seen in my 34 years of law enforcement,” Swanton said, later adding, “I was amazed that we didn’t have innocent civilians killed or injured.”

Bodies were found in the parking lot of Twin Peaks and in another adjacent lot for a family restaurant.

“Dozens” of suspected gang members have been detained, Swanton said.

Killed ... Some of the dead bikers lay on the ground as police investigate the shooting. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Rounding them up ... Authorities block an access road as an investigation continues. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

Swanton said at least five rival gangs gathered at Twin Peaks for a meeting that he said focused on turf and recruitment, two areas where the groups have often clashed.

Preliminary findings indicate a dispute broke out in a bathroom and then spilled into the restaurant where it escalated to include knives and firearms, he said. There were 150 to 200 gang members inside the restaurant at the time.

Swanton said police were aware the rival gangs would be gathering at the restaurant and at least 12 Waco officers in addition to state troopers were at the restaurant when the fight began.

When the shooting started in the restaurant and then continued outside, armed bikers were shot by officers, Swanton said, explaining that the actions of law enforcement prevented further deaths.

Opened fire ... Officers opened fire on the bikers when their fight spilled into the car park. Picture: AP/Jerry Larson Source: AP

Three armed gang members were arrested when they attempted to enter the shooting scene to retaliate against rival members, he said. Authorities are increasing security in the area to prevent further violence among the gangs.

McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna said tensions had simmered among rival gangs for months.

“Apparently the management (of Twin Peaks) wanted them here and so we didn’t have any say-so on whether they could be here or not,” Swanton said.

Attempts to contact Twin Peaks for comment were not immediately successful.

Waco police said no officers were injured in the deadly incident.

KWTX reported that the area was secured by police directly after the incident.

On the scene ... Police had been monitoring the bikie group. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune Herald Source: AP

The Waco Police Department warned residents to stay away from the area, and said several armed people had been arrested at the scene.

“Please avoid the Central Texas Market Place as the area is NOT safe. Officers are continuing to arrest individuals coming to the scene with weapons,” Waco police said on Facebook.

“This is not the time to sight see as we are dealing with very dangerous individuals.”

KWTX news reported that the victims were taken by ambulance to Baylor Scott and White Hillcrest Medical Center, which later was placed on lock down, but officials at Hillcrest said they had no comment.

Tensions simmering ... Authorities said tension between rival biker gangs had been building. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

18 injured ... Emergency responders tend to a wounded person. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

Chaos ... The scene after the fatal shooting. Picture: Rod Aydelotte/Waco Tribune-Herald Source: AP

Waco remains infamous for a siege and subsequent mass suicide of the Branch Davidians cult between February and April 1993.

After members of the cult killed four agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI laid siege to their compound for 51 days.

Eventually a fire broke out in their centre, and 76 members of the sect were killed, including leader David Koresh.

It is believed the members of the cult set fire to the building themselves.