Update | At least 37 killed in Manila casino stormed by gunman

At least 37 people died after a gunman burst into a Manila casino a little after midnight on Friday, firing shots and setting gaming tables alight in a botched robbery attempt, said Philippine ANC News channel.

The deaths resulted from suffocation amid smoky conditions, leading to panic from guests and staff who started a stampede as they tried to flee the building, reported the local broadcaster citing sources from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The Philippine National Police on Friday released screenshots purportedly showing the gunman lurking in a stairwell.

"He's probably a foreigner," Manila police chief Oscar Albayalde told reporters.

Earlier, police said the gunman killed himself after firing at police officers who were searching the complex.

Witnesses had reported gunshots, explosions, and billowing smoke from the complex, which includes a mall, casino, and hotel near Manila’s international airport. The complex and Ninoy Aquino International Airport were both placed on lockdown in the wake of the incident.

Fifty-four people were injured according to the Philippine National Police Director General Ronald dela Rosa, who also said there was no indication that the suspect is linked to ISIL.

(CGTN)