At least one dead as gunman barricaded himself inside gym just minutes from the White House

One person has died and four others were left injured after a gunman opened fire inside a Washington DC gym just minutes away from the White House.

On social media, Councilwoman Brooke Pinto confirmed a shooting took place at around 8am in the Logan Circle neighbourhood of the US capital.

Ms Pinto warned: “Do not go to this area. Police looking for suspect.”

A spokesman for VIDA Fitness, a gym located in the trendy area of Washington DC, confirmed that shots were fired inside the building, which was placed into lockdown

Washington DC Police have said at least one of the four people wounded in the attack are in critical condition.

The gunman, who barricaded himself inside a flat within the same building complex as the gym, has been identified by authorities, although his name has not been publicly disclosed.

The Washington DC branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed on social meida it was responding to the incident and assisting authorities at the scene.

A huge number of emergency service vehicles remained in the area as the standoff continued.

In a press conference, the interim chief of Washington DC Police, Jeffrey Carroll, said officers arrived on the scene "within 30 seconds" of being dispatched.

Mr Caroll said gunshots were heard on the floor where the suspect had barricaded himself, prompting officers to force their way into the flat.

Upon their arrival, the suspect, who police say is a white male, was found with a gunshot wound appearing to be self-inflicted.

Washington DC Police confirmed he has since been pronounced dead.

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Authorities believe the individual had "some sort of conflict with the apartment building", but Mr Carroll stressed the investigation is ongoing.

The Washington DC Police interim chief added that the suspect "did fire through the door at officers at least on two occasions while he was barricaded inside".

Law enforcement officials believe the individual may have started a fire in the building, which was subsequently contained and put out.

Police say they are still working to establish a timeline of the shooting, including the suspect's exact motivation, but they noted that the first of the shots were fired inside the VIDA Fitness gym.

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser also spoke at the press conference, condemning the attack as a "senseless act of gun violence".

Confirming the White House had been briefed on the incident, she added: "I know many DC residents awakened to this news, and were very scared."

Ms Bowser hailed law enforcement's response to the incident, saying officers acted "in a way that's professional, that got this situation under control".

Washington DC Police confirmed the scene is now safe, but urged the public to avoid the area as "significant traffic closures remain in place".