The US Capitol building was put on lockdown after someone shot themselves dead outside.

Capitol Police say they are also investigating a suspicious package left on the lower west terrace of the building in Washington DC.

The area was temporarily locked down, with no one able to enter or exit, because of a "potential security threat".

Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider in a statement: "Confirmed: self-inflicted gunshot by neutralized subject."

Several media reports claim the shooter left behind a suitcase that is being investigated by a bomb squad.

However, NBC is quoting a US official as saying "there are no indications at this point of terrorism".

Congress has been on a spring break for two weeks, with lawmakers set to return to work on Monday.

Originally posted at 19.26