In dramatic scenes that drew international condemnation, supporters of the outgoing US president brought violence to the seat of America's democracy - prompting the US Capitol to be put into lockdown. 

The White House revealed the US National Guard had been called in by Trump following clashes between rioters and Washington DC police, while a curfew has been ordered across the city. 

As darkness fell, the FBI were also on the ground to clear remaining protestors. Groups of Trump supporters breached metal barricades and stormed their way into the Capitol building as they disrupted the confirmation of US president-elect Joe Biden's victory in November's election - a fortnight before his inauguration ceremony.

Several law enforcement officials said a woman who was shot inside the Capitol building had died.

Local emergency services had earlier said one person was in a critical condition after being shot and at least five people - including a law enforcement officer - had been taken to hospital.

According to an NBC report, several officials said at least one improvised explosive device had been found on US Capitol grounds.

And Mr Trump's Republican Party - parts of whom the president has criticised for failing to fully support his unproven claims of election fraud - revealed a suspicious device was found at their headquarters before being detonated by a bomb squad.

Both chambers of Congress in Washington DC were abruptly recessed as they debated Mr Biden's election win - which Mr Trump continues to vociferously dispute - when the violence flared.

US Vice President Mike Pence was ushered out of the Senate chamber to a secure location as protestors entered the Capitol building.

Sky News