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A gunman who stormed a casino in the Philippines sparking a stampede which injured 30 people has killed himself, police said.

The suspect was found dead from a gunshot wound which appears to be self-inflicted, authorities in Manila said.

The dramatic incident began with reports of gunfire and smoke coming from the Resorts World complex just after midnight local time.

The gunman was wielding an automatic gun but did not shoot at anyone, police said.

He stole casino chips, shot at TV screens and then set some of the casino tables on fire.

(Image: Twitter/Rohit Rajput)

(Image: EPA)

Nonetheless, it sparked mass panic with people suffering serious injuries in the ensuing stampede.

Some even jumped from windows, according to reports.

The Philippines has been battling a rising number of ISIS militants in the south of the country and there were fears of a terror attack.

One message online appeared to claim responsibility for the attack on behalf of ISIS.

National police chief Ronald dela Rosa went on the radio to tell the public: "Don't panic, this is not a cause for alarm.

"We cannot attribute this to terrorism.

"We are looking into a robbery angle because he did not hurt any people and went straight to the casino chips storage room.

"He parked at the second floor and barged into the casino, shooting large TV screens and poured gasoline on a table setting it on fire," he said.

(Image: Twitter/Rohit Rajput) (Image: REUTERS)

The dozens injured were taken to different hospitals.

There was a huge response from emergency services with armed police deployed to the scene.

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(Image: EPA) (Image: EPA) (Image: EPA)

"We are searching the area as much as we can, to make sure it is clear. I can confirm that shots were fired," a Resorts World official, Stephen James Riley, said.

Military spokesman Restituto Padilla confirmed police were in control of the situation and the army was monitoring closely.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: EPA) (Image: Google)

A witness who was at the complex just after midnight said an 'attacker set casino tables on fire'. He said three tables were up in flames.

He also claimed some guests escaped through emergency exits while others fled to a basement.

The witness heard people screaming as they tried to get to safety and said 'one of the attackers had a scarf around his head, only revealing his eyes'.

A casino worker from the third floor, named Julio, told DZMM radio he heard many gunshots and saw people running up the stairs from the second floor.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Ronald Romualdo, a maintenance worker at Resorts World, told the radio station he saw a woman fall from an upper floor while trying to escape.

"Several people were injured," he said.

Police, fire trucks and SWAT teams were called to the area, near Manila International airport, after smoke began billowing from the upper floor of the building.

Louisse Linan tweeted that Naia terminal 3 at the Manila International Airport was also in lockdown because of the incident at the nearby tourist complex.

The US State Department were warning people to avoid the area and monitor local news.

It called out for US citizens in Manila to check in with family and friends on social media to reassure them they are safe.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

Officers cordoned off the area near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Anna Lynd Oliquino tweeted: "Work suspended tomorrow at Resorts World Manila. Please pray during this difficult time.

"Stay out of Resorts World Manila area. To my RWM colleagues and friends, please be safe. God help us."

(Image: EPA) (Image: EPA)

Speaking outside the White House, US president Donald Trump said he was staying updated on the attack in Manila.

He said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people. It's very sad what's happening with terrorism around the world."

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

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Resorts World Manila is a complex with hotels, restaurants and bars, a casino, shopping mall, cinema and theatre.

It is situated in Newport City in Manila, and is popular with tourists.

The Philippines is facing a crisis in the south of the country, where troops have been battling Islamist rebels since May 23.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS) (Image: Google)

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao last week.

Duterte has said he fears militant group Islamic State's "terrible ideology" will spread on Mindanao, an island of 22 million people, and has warned it could become a haven for supporters fleeing Iraq and Syria.