This is the moment country singer Jason Aldean was forced to cut his performance in Las Vegas short as the concert turned into a bloodbath.

Aldean had taken to the stage of the Route 91 Harvest Festival around 9.40pm and had been playing for about an hour when the first shots rang out.

Video taken from the back of the audience shows people crowded in front of the stage before what sounds like fireworks starts in the background.

Jason Aldean was closing the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Monday night when gunshots rang out, turning the concert into a bloodbath

Chilling video captured the moment automatic gunfire started ringing out, before the music stopped and was replaced with the desperate screams of fans

Aldean was rushed off stage as fans began fleeing for their lives with witnesses saying bodies were falling all around them

But joy quickly turns to fear and then panic as the audience realize what they are hearing is automatic gunfire.

The music abruptly stops as Aldean is rushed off stage and fans begin screaming and fleeing for their lives.

More video taken from close to the front of the gig shows people hitting the floor - either wounded or in an attempt to avoid being shot.

When a break in the shooting comes - believed to be the gunman reloading - they scramble to their feet and run or begin crawling away.

Police say at least 58 people are dead after the shooting with more than 500 hurt.

Jason Aldean put out a statement shortly after the attack, which said: 'Tonight has been beyond horrific.

'I still don't know what to say but wanted to let everyone know that me and my crew are safe. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight.

'It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night. #heartbroken #stopthehate.'

Police say at least 58 people have died and more than 500 were injured during the attack which happened around 10.30pm

The gunman is believed to have opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel (pictured right)

Police say the gunman is dead and they are not looking for anyone else over the attack (pictured, fans duck as gunfire rings out)

Taking to Twitter, many of the other stars listed on the festival bill sent out their thoughts and prayers to those affected.

Jake Owen, who played the main stage before Aldean, tweeted: 'Praying for everyone here in Vegas. I witnessed the most unimaginable event tonight. We are okay. Others aren't. Please pray.'

Lauren Alaina, tweeted: 'Praying for everyone at Route 91. That crowd was one of the best I've played for all year. This news is devastating. My camp is home & safe.'

While the Brothers Osborne urged revelers to find cover immediately, tweeting: 'Just hearing about active shooting at Route 91 Festival in Vegas. Take cover and get safe immediately! Prayers to everyone there.'

Singer Lee Brice, who performed on the opening night on Friday, posted: 'Hearts out to Vegas. Route 91 concert, stage I played two nights ago. Musicians, fans, workers, you are all in our prayers right now.'

Michael Ray said: 'My heart is breaking we were just there Friday! My prayers are with everyone.'

The Route 91 Harvest Festival pictured before the shooting, with the Mandalay Bay Hotel pictured in the background

It is believed the lone suspect opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, located across The Strip from the festival.

Police say the suspect is now dead and they are not looking for anyone else. It is not clear if officers shot the suspect, or if he turned the weapon on himself.

Witnesses told how shots were heard at the back of the concert venue and said they saw the dying and injured lying on the floor.

Speaking on a bus laid on to transport concert goers away from the scene, Lisa Price, 43, and Nancy Stover, 38, of Los Angeles said: 'People were lying on the ground - I was like get up, you're going to get trodden on.

'We just heard like pop, pop, pop, pop and started walking - it was happening over and over again.

'It was at least 20 shots. Enough for us to start walking, then running and panicking. 'Luckily, we seemed to be further away - we were at the front of the concert near the stage.

'It seemed to be coming from the back. We were running to try to help people and they were coming from that direction.'