The US Capitol is on lockdown as a precaution after shots were fired in what appears to be an attempted suicide, police said.

Capitol Police spokeswoman Kimberly Schneider said the suspected shooter was "neutralised" after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound. It's unclear whether the man is dead. No one else is believed to be hurt.

Ms Schneider also said Capitol Police were investigating a suspicious package on the lower west terrace of the building.

No one was being allowed to enter or exit the Capitol and the visitors' centre, and some streets around the complex were closed.

The lockdown comes during Washington's annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which attracts many tourists.

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