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

A Washington gunman has barricaded himself inside a gym after at least five people were shot near the White House, with one person confirmed dead.

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 shoots were fired inside the building, which remains on lockdown.

Nicole Deaner, a spokeswoman for the Washington DC Police Department, confirmed the suspect gunman is still at large.

No details surrounding the condition of the other victims has been released by authorities at this time.

One person has died with four others rushed to hospital following the shooting, NBC News reports.

The American outlet also reported that the gunman, who is said to have barricaded himself in flat within the same building complex as the gym, has been identified by authorities.

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.

More to follow...