Police say an argument at a makeshift restaurant in South L.A. led to gunfire overnight that left three people dead and 12 wounded.

Police who arrived at the scene in a working class neighbourhood dotted by tall palm trees found shell casings and blood throughout the restaurant, located west of downtown Los Angeles.

Three people were killed and at least a dozen more injured when a shooting broke out after an argument at a pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles, police said Saturday. "My prayers go out for the victims and their families", Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer added.

Investigators believe that during the course of the night, an argument erupted between two of the people in attendance at the residence which was converted into a restaurant.

"Los Angeles grieves for the senseless loss of lives in one of our most cherished neighborhoods".

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Initial findings of the investigation reveal that three men walked out of the restaurant and then returned with firearms and began shooting at patrons.

The mayor says "we can not tolerate these tragedies multiplying in communities across America".

The shooting occurred in a residential area of modest homes.

Three people died at the scene, and 12 others were transported to local hospitals. Some of the wounded are in critical condition.

The genders and ages of the victims were not disclosed. "It has canopies; they have a DJ, they have tables set up to play dominoes", said LAPD Sgt.