Two people have died in an explosion inside a Second World War-era tank at a firing range in Oregon in the US.

Police say the explosion occurred on Tuesday afternoon at a public gun range east of the town of Bend.

Paramedics tried to revive the victims but they died from their injuries.

The authorities say there is no risk to the public.

Pictures on a local TV station showed the tank in a field.

Detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and the Oregon State Police Arson and Explosives Section are jointly investigating the deaths.