A white man suspected of killing nine people inside an historic black church has been captured in North Carolina.

Charleston police chief Greg Mullen said 21-year-old Dylann Roof was arrested during a traffic stop in Shelby today.

Mr Mullen had previously said the suspect stayed at a prayer meeting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston for nearly an hour last night before he opened fire, killing three males and six females.

Among the dead was state Senator Clementa Pinckney. The names of the other victims have not yet been released.

Mr Mullen said Roof was co-operative with the local officer who stopped him, which followed a tip-off from a member of the public.

He added that officials believe the church shootings were carried out by a single person.