Five American soldiers were injured after an Army sergeant opened fire at a military base in the US state of Georgia before being tackled by other troops.

Officials say the soldier, identified as Quornelius Radford, opened fire with his own personal handgun, and was targeting his fellow troops.

The attack at Fort Stewart, about 240 miles (386km) south east of Atlanta, triggered a lockdown at the sprawling Army base.

All five soldiers who were shot are being treated for their injuries and are in stable condition, according to Brigadier General John Lubas, commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division.

Gen. Lubas confirmed the alleged attacker was an active-duty solider, and he had not previously deployed to a combat zone.

He also thanked the "brave soldiers" who intervened and subdued the shooter, adding that they "without a doubt" prevented further harm.

The pistol used in the attack was not military-issued, and officials are investigating how he was able to bring it onto the base. (BBC, but headline rejigged)