At least two people died early on Monday and 24 were hospitalised with suspected gunshots wounds in Las Vegas, a local hospital spokesman said, as police investigated reports of an active shooter in the city.

The reports emanated from the Mandalay Bay Casino on the city's famous strip. One Twitter user posted that the hotel was on lockdown, while another, citing police scanners, said two gunmen who had shot at a bodyguard and police were on the 32nd floor of the hotel. Witnesses heard numerous gunshots

University Medical Centre spokeswoman Danita Cohen said the Las Vegas hospital is taking in "several" people with gunshot wounds.

Authorities shut down part of the Las Vegas Strip after receiving reports of an active shooter.