Washington  - Police in the US state of South Carolina were looking for a serial killer whose fifth victim, a 15-year-old girl whose father was also killed, died Saturday of wounds received in an attack several days ago.

The killings have occurred in the small town of Gaffney, about 80 kilometres southwest of Charlotte, since last Saturday. The other victims include the girl's father, 48; a peach farmer, age 63; and a woman, 83, and her 50-year-old daughter.

In broadcast remarks, police declined to reveal why they are suspicious that all the murders sere carried out by one person.

Sheriff bill Blanton said police did not know if the killer knew his victims or randomly selected them. About 100 police officers were combing the area looking for a suspect. (dpa)