US rapper Takeoff, from the chart-topping group Migos, has been shot dead at the age of 28 in Houston, Texas, writes BBC.

The star was killed at a bowling alley where he was playing dice with his uncle and bandmate, Quavo, on Tuesday.

A representative for the musician, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, confirmed the news to the Associated Press.

Migos were one of the most influential groups of their generation, pioneering a style of rapping in choppy, staccato triplets known as the “Migos flow”.

The band, who split earlier this year, scored several international hits including Bad and Boujee, Versace and Walk It Talk It.

The shooting took place at about 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on a balcony outside the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley.

Police said 40 to 50 guests had been at a private party when someone opened fire. Security guards in the area heard the shots but did not see who fired the gun.