Donald Trump escorted off stage as gunshots heard at campaign rally

Former US president Donald Trump has been escorted to safety by Secret Service agents after gunshots were heard during a rally in the north-eastern state of Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Videos from the scene showed Trump lifting his fist as he was escorted off stage with a bloody ear.

Trump had only just begun his speech in the town of Butler when the incident occurred. TV footage showed panic breaking out in the front ranks of the rally after a series of loud bangs.

Trump is campaigning to return to the White House in November's presidential election against incumbent President Joe Biden.

It was initially unclear whether Trump was injured in the incident. The area around the stage was cordoned off with yellow tape and a helicopter landed nearby.

The Republican National Convention, where Trump is set to be officially nominated as the party's candidate for the presidential election, is due to begin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday.