Las Vegas shooting live updates: At least 50 killed near Mandalay Bay Casino; gunman identified

At least 50 people were killed and over 200 others injured in a mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas. Multiple people are being treated for bullet wounds at a nearby hospital. Fourteen are said to be critically wounded, the spokesperson of the University Medical Center hospital said.

Las Vegas police confirmed that one suspect has been neutralised and there are no active shooters. They, however, advised people to avoid the area near Mandalay Bay Casino.

Las Vegas shooting Live Updates:

4.40 pm: President Donald Trump offers his condolences over the loss of many lives. “My warmest condolences and sympathies to the victims and families of the terrible Las Vegas shooting. God bless you!,” he tweeted.

4.20 pm: News agency AFP, citing police, has named the Las Vegas gunman as Stephen Paddock.

4.09 pm: BREAKING Police say over 50 people were killed in the shooting and over 200 others injured.

“We have located the vehicles in question, and we are confident we have located the female person of interest,” said Las Vegas police.

3.45 pm: Schools in Clark County District have been given the go ahead by security officials to reopen. The Clark County School District statement on twitter said: “students & employees directly affected by the tragedy on The Strip will be excused” attending classes.

03.30 pm: The Governor of Nevada took to Twitter to offer his condolences and prayers.

3.00 pm: British Prime Minister Theresa May said Britain’s thoughts are with the victims of what she called an “appalling attack” in Las Vegas, where a gunman opened fire at a country music festival. “The UK’s thoughts are with the victims and the emergency services responding to the appalling attack in Las Vegas,” May said in a post on her official Twitter feed. 

2.30 pm: Las Vegas police are currently on the lookout for two vehicles — Hyundai Tucson Nevada (114B40) and a Chrysler Pacifica Nevada (79D401) — associated with the shooter.  

2:12 pm: Las Vegas sheriff says more than 20 people dead and more than 100 people injured at concert attack, according to the AP. 

1.35 pm: At least 14 of the 24 injured are said to be critical, according to the BBC. 

1.24 pm: Meanwhile, limited flight activity has resumed at McCarran International Airport in Nevada. 

1.10 pm: Las Vegas police tweeted a statement: “At this time we do not believe there are any more shooters.”

1.00 pm: Jake Brown, a singer who performed at the three-day music festival, said his heart goes out to Vegas.

“Hearts out to Vegas. Route 91 concert, stage I played two nights ago. Musicians, fans, workers, you are all in our prayers right now..,” he tweeted. Another fellow performer, Lee Brice tweeted: “Praying for everyone here in Vegas. I witnessed the most unimaginable event tonight. We are okay. Others arent. Please pray.” 

12.52 pm: For those just joining us, here is a quick recap. The shooting happened on the last day of the Route 91 Harvest festival. Police confirmed that one of the suspects is down. However, two people were killed and 24 others are being treated for gun wounds. Unconfirmed reports suggest that another suspect is currently holed up inside the nearby Mandalay Bay Casino. 

12.42 pm: It appears one of the suspects is holed up inside the Mandalay Bay Casino. Gunfire can be heard from the upper floor of the hotel-cum-casino. Police are investigating. 

 12.29 pm: Las Vegas police: “Confirming that one suspect is down. This is an active investigation. Again, please do not head down to the Strip at this time.” 

12.20 pm: The Vegas police made an appeal to media not to “livestream or share tactical positions” of security forces. 

12.15 pm: BREAKING Two people were killed and 24 injured in the shooting, according to the BBC. 

12.10 pm: UPDATE: “Flights in and out of McCarran Airport have been temporarily halted in response to reported shooting incident on Las Vegas Strip.” 

12.05 pm: Flights heading towards the McCarran Airport in Las Vegas are being diverted.. 

11.58 am: CNN is reporting that multiple people are being treated at a nearby hospital for gunshot wounds. 

11.55 am: The official Twitter handle of Las Vegas police asked people to avoid the south end of the strip. “Please avoid heading to the south end of the Strip. Las Vegas Blvd is shut down at Tropicana, southbound past Russell Rd at this time,” it tweeted. 

11.50 am: The BBC is reporting that a gunman open fired at a country music festival being at the famous strip.