A 21-year-old man has been named as the suspected gunman who approached a White House security check point and sprayed bullets at officer before he was shot dead

Correspondents stationed near the White House said they heard what appeared to be repeated gunfire on Saturday, triggering an immediate security response around the grounds.

CNN reporters heard what appeared to be dozens of gunshots near the White House, triggering a lockdown and a rapid response from the US Secret Service.