Las Vegas shooting: Jason Aldean and other stars respond to 'deadliest attack in modern US history' at Mandalay Bay

Country star Jason Aldean was performing when a gunman opened fire on crowds

Country music artists who performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas and other stars of the entertainment world have reacted after at least 50 people were killed in a mass shooting at the event.

Country star Jason Aldean was performing when a man - identified by police as 64-year-old Stephen Paddock - opened fire.

It is being considered as the deadliest mass shooting in modern US history, with the death toll surpassing the 49 murdered at a nightclub in Orlando in June 2016. More than 400 people were injured.

Aldean, who was performing when the shooting took place, said in a statement on Instagram: "Tonight has been beyond horrific... My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved tonight.

"It hurts my heart that this would happen to anyone who was just coming out to enjoy what should have been a fun night."

Chance the Rapper, Mariah Carey, Kid Ink, Haim, Billy Eichner, Sia, Jake Owen, Bob Saget, Celine Dion, Kate Hudson and Josh Groban were among those sending prayers and condolences to those who were present during the attack.

As news of the shooting emerged, Sia urged people to "find cover", while Dion said she was "praying for all the innocent victims and their families".

Witnesses described seeing flashes of light high up in the tower of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and a noise "like firecrackers" as "clip after clip" was unloaded into the 40,000-strong crowd.

Paddock, a grandfather from Mesquite, Nevada, is believed to have opened fire on concert-goers from the 32nd floor.

A SWAT team used a controlled explosion to enter the hotel room, where Paddock was found dead.

Announcing the suspect's name, Las Vegas sheriff Joseph Lomardo said police had found "numerous firearms" in the room and a search would take place of Paddock's house.

A person of interest - 62-year-old female Marilou Danley, has been located by police.

Follow the latest updates on the Las Vegas shooting here

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