At least 58 people have been killed and more than 500 injured in the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history after a gunman opened fire at a country music festival in Las Vegas.
Hundreds of shots were reportedly fired over several minutes, causing festival goers to immediately flee the Route 91 Harvest Festival at around 22.30 (05.30 GMT).
The gunman, who has been named as 64-year-old Nevada resident Stephen Paddock, opened fire from the upper floors of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino, with eyewitnesses reportedly seeing gun flashes before police stormed the building.
Police have confirmed Paddock’s death, and that he was a resident from the Las Vegas area.
At this time we do not believe there are any more shooters. More information to come shortly from @Sheriff_LVMPD.
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
"We do have a suspect down" police confirm during latest update on #LasVegas shooting, where there are "numerous victims" pic.twitter.com/79iP8uMVbf
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 2, 2017
They have also detained his female room mate, a woman called Marilou Danley who is 4ft 11ins tall.
As news of the shooting broke, eyewitnesses have shared videos of what appeared to be gunfire, while artists playing at the festival claimed to have heard shots ring out.
Posting on Twitter, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department wrote: “We’re investigating reports of an active shooter near/around Mandalay Bay Casino. Asking everyone to please avoid the area.”
We're investigating reports of an active shooter near/around Mandalay Bay Casino. Asking everyone to please avoid the area. #LVMPDnews
— LVMPD (@LVMPD) October 2, 2017
The shooting occurred during a set by the popular US country singer Jason Aldean, who immediately left the stage after the incident.
Aldean has since taken to Twitter to urge his fans to “pray” for the victims.
Eyewitness Bryan Heifner told CNN how he witnessed the incident from his hotel window, situated directly opposite the Mandalay Bay resort.
“Mostly I heard the shots, just so many shots — I just thought it was a semi braking with the air brakes, but then I went downstairs and saw people running and looking for family,” he said.
“I immediately went back to my room, locked the door, turned the lights off.”
A number of musicians have paid tribute to the victims on social media, including Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Liam Gallagher and Chance The Rapper.
So sad what's happened in Las Vegas when will it all stop peace n love to all my brothers n sisters LG x
— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) October 2, 2017
Saying a prayer for all the victims & their loved ones, also for the residents & visitors of Las Vegas! This was a horrific act of terror!!
— Rihanna (@rihanna) October 2, 2017
Lord help us
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 2, 2017
This is terrorism plain and simple. Terror bares no race, gender or religion. Democrats & Republicans please unite now #guncontrol ??
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) October 2, 2017
There are no words to express the helplessness and sorrow my broken heart feels for the victims in Vegas and their families.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) October 2, 2017
Woke up to the heartbreaking news from Las Vegas, my thoughts are with everyone and their families. Love. H
— Harry Styles. (@Harry_Styles) October 2, 2017
Prayers up right now for Las Vegas ??????
— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) October 2, 2017
just woke up…can't believe this is where we are now as a nation. Mind you this is w/o context —how in god's name do they have auto? How? https://t.co/sqoF7PbkJW
— Questlove from @SongsThatShook Oct 13th @AMC_tv (@questlove) October 2, 2017
There is no way to make sense of such senseless violence. #LasVegas, our hearts are with you. #PrayForLasVegas pic.twitter.com/2xjMOtoZoh
— Roc Nation (@RocNation) October 2, 2017
President Donald Trump described the attack as “pure evil” in an address from the White House.