DHAKA: Fifty people are now known to have died in Saturday’s shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, and a ‘state of emergency’ has been declared, the city's mayor Buddy Dyer has said.

The gunman, named by officials as Omar Mateen, was killed after taking hostages.

Another 53 people were injured in the shooting at the Pulse club, reports the BBC.

It is the worst mass shooting in recent US history. Police described it as an act of terrorism.

Officials said the killings were likely to be ideologically motivated, though there was no information that the gunman was associated with a particular group.

However, US Congressman Alan Grayson said it was ‘no coincidence’ the attack happened in a gay club.

It is believed that the suspect, who comes from the Florida town of Port St Lucie and is of Afghan descent, was not on a terrorism watch list, although he was currently being investigated for an unrelated criminal act.

Relatives have been gathering at local hospitals desperate for news of their loved ones.

BDST: 2151 HRS, JUN 12, 2016
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**20 killed in Florida nightclub attack