Manila attack: Masked 'Isis' gunman storms popular resort leaving 36 dead

Isis has claimed responsibility for an attack at a popular resort in Manila which left at least 36 people dead.There were reports of shooting and explosions at the Resorts World Manila in the Philippine capital at about midnight local time.A gunman wearing a mask and black clothes stormed floors of one of the resort's hotels, according to local reports, and the area was placed on lockdown.At least 36 people suffocated in choking smoke fumes after the gunman set fire to gaming tables. No one received gunshot wounds.The attacker was later found dead in a nearby hotel early on Friday after fleeing with a rucksack stuffed with casino chips… Police said it appeared he had killed himself.Isis claimed «lone wolf soldiers» from its group had carried out the attack, according to the SITE Intelligence Group that monitors terrorist organisations, but police said there was no indication the attack was terror-related and believe it was a robbery.National police chief Ronald dela Rosa said if it had been terrorism the attacker «would have shot all of the people gambling there» but he «did not hurt anyone».Video posted on social media shows large numbers of people rushing from the complex, while pictures show plumes of smoke billowing from the upper floor of a building in the resort complex.Police, fire trucks and a SWAT team descended on the area, near the city's airport, as people were carried away on stretchers.Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said at least 25 people were injured and were taken to hospital.

Witnesses said the injured included a SWAT member, who rushed to the scene and was reportedly fired upon by unidentified men. «I heard many, many gunshots,» Julio Silva, a witness who managed to dash out of the mall complex, told DZMM radio network.