The Islamic State terror group claimed Paddock converted to Islam a few months ago, through its official Amaq news channel.

They said the attack, the deadliest mass shooting in US history, was carried out by a “soldier” of the caliphate and was done “in response to calls to target coalition countries.”

In another statement released hours later, Isil referred to Paddock by the nom de guerre Abu Abd al-Barr al-Amriki and said he answered a call to arms by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

US officials have said they are examining the claim, but are yet to find any evidence linking the shooter to any organised terrorist group.