US capitol placed on lockdown after 'woman tries to enter with gun'

The US Capitol was put on lockdown after a woman reportedly tried to enter the building with a gun.

Police in Washington have said an "event" was underway shortly after 9am, and authorities were hunting a person.

A senate aide said that officers were looking for a woman who was "possibly armed" and who could be in the basement of the building.

The Senate seargant at arms issued a lockdown alert for the building and visitor center, although office buildings remained open.

One officer outside the Capitol said police were responding to "sketchy reports" of a woman who may have a gun.