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A security guard was shot by the Las Vegas killer inside a hotel at least SIX MINUTES before the massacre began.

Jesus Campos was responding to a door alarm when he spooked Stephen Paddock who was holed up on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay armed with 23 guns.

Campos was shot in the leg and reportedly raised the alarm at 9.59pm.

But for reasons which remain unclear, police did not learn the 'exact location' of Paddock until at least 10.18pm.

It is believed Paddock began shooting into the crowd at the Route 91 music festival at 10.05pm and continued uninterrupted until 10.15pm.

Previously, Mr Campos had been hailed a 'hero' for diverting the gunman's attention to the hallway and bringing the attack to an end.

(Image: Getty) (Image: Getty Images North America)

But Sheriff Lombardo dramatically admitted that further "investigation" had led to a change in the timeline of events.

He told a press conference: "Mr Campos was encountered by the suspect, prior to his shooting to the outside world."

"He was injured prior to the mass volley of shooting."

It is now unclear what prompted Paddock to stop shooting.

And the revelation raises the question of whether Paddock could have been stopped before he went on to kill 58 people and injure more than 500.

Bodycam footage released by police last week showed officers scrambling to find out where the shooting was coming from as they responded to the chaotic scene.

There is no mention of a security guard already having been shot at the Mandalay at this point.

"We’ve got shots fired… at the Route 91. Sounded like automatic firearm," one shouted.

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(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

"It's coming from upstairs! Upstairs at the Mandalay Bay."

Sheriff Lombardo also confirmed that investigators are interviewing Paddock's brother in the hope of gathering more insight into a possible motive.

So far, police have yet to establish any concrete answers.

Sheriff Lombardo reiterated that they are certain Paddock had no links to a terror group or political organisation.

(Image: Reuters)

He was taking "medication" and police are concentrating on his mental health.

"This individual purposely hid his actions leading up to this event, and it is difficult for us to find the answers," said Lombardo, who agreed he was frustrated with the speed of the investigation.

Police also confirmed reports which emerged last week that Paddock targeted a fuel tank on the edge of the festival.

Bullet holes were found in the tanks and Sheriff Lombardo said it's believed Paddock may have been trying to set off an explosion as a distraction for his escape.