A Texas man shot four family members including his eight-year-old niece, before turning the gun on himself, authorities have said.

Alrick “Shawn” Barrett, 46 opened fire at a home in suburban Houston just before 7am on Saturday, killing his estranged wife, her two siblings, and the young girl.

The incident occurred after Barrett returned his young child from a visit, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan said at a news conference on Wednesday.

Mr Fagan said that after arriving at the home, Barrett told his estranged wife that he wanted to reunite, but she refused.