Las Vegas shooting: Panic outside iconic Bellagio, crowds run for their lives as gunfire erupts; 2 dead | Watch

Las Vegas shooting: Crowds on the streets were seen scrambling for their lives after a shooting erupted on the Las Vegas Strip outside the iconic Bellagio Hotel & Casino on Sunday night (local time).

Officers responded to reports of gunfire around 10.40pm local time and found two victims with gunshot wounds, both of whom died at the scene.

The Mirror US reported that the homicide bureau is now leading the investigation.

‘Avoid area’

Authorities have urged the public to steer clear of the area, confirming they are actively responding to the incident.

In a statement, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department(LVMPD) said: “We are responding to a shooting in the 3600 block of S. Las Vegas Boulevard. The shooting did not occur inside a casino. Please avoid the area.”

‘Online conflict’ led to shooting

According to The Independent, LVMPD police officials believe the shooter's identity is known and that the shooting was an isolated incident stemming from a prior online conflict with one of the victims.

"It is believed that the suspect and the victims knew each other and had previously engaged in conflict over social media prior to the shooting," the LVMPD police stated in a press release posted on X.

Moment when the shooter pulled out the pistol

Footage captured by a bystander shows the moment the gunman pulled out a pistol and began firing. Another video appears to show injured individuals lying on the sidewalk.

Individuals took to social media, with some describing it as an “active shooter situation” on the Strip. One user posted: “Active shooter situation on Las Vegas Strip. Heavy police and rescue presence on scene. Situation seems to be under control. No more shots fired.”

There have also been reports that a nearby casino has been evacuated.

Shooter still on the run; knew 2 victims

The shooter behind the harrowing incident still continues to be on the run. Police have said that "every effort" is being made to track down the man, reported The Mirror US.

The shooter is believed to have known the victim, and that this is said to be an "isolated incident".