American actor Alec Baldwin, 68, allegedly "discharged" the prop weapon while filming for the western movie 'Rust' in New Mexico. In a statement, Santa Fe County Sheriff Juan Rios said: "The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of 'Rust'."

       "Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin," the statement added.

       Ms Hutchins was taken to the University of New Mexico Hospital via helicopter and was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

       Reports also indicate Mr Souza is receiving treatment at the Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center after being transported in an ambulance.

       According to Deadline, an investigation into what happened remains "open and active".

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       However, "no charges have been filed in regard to this incident".

       The incident reportedly took place at around 2pm PST (10pm BST).

       It has been claimed the prop gun either fired shrapnel or a bullet.

       A spokesperson for the movie 'Rust' said: "There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of Rust involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.

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       "Two crew members have been taken to the hospital and are receiving care.

       "Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority."

       According to the Sun, New Mexico Police do not believe the incident was an act of "foul play".

       When criminal investigators arrived at the scene, an officer from the Santa Fe Sheriff's Department said: "When there is a death, criminal investigators tend to look into the matter even if it appears to be an accident.

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       "While we don't suspect foul play at this time, we cannot officially take it off the table yet either.

       "A full investigation will be conducted to get to the bottom of exactly what happened."