BBC reporter described moment he had to take cover during Donald Trump's assassination attempt

A BBC reporter has described the moment he took cover during an assassination attempt on Donald Trump.

The former US president, 78, was holding a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania speaking to a crowd of people when loud, popping noises were heard.

Trump immediately ducked to the ground and could be seen clutching his ear, which appeared to be bleeding.

Secret Service agents then surrounded the former president before his security detail rushed him away.

Writing on his Truth Social website, Trump later said: "I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.

"Much bleeding took place."

The FBI have since identified the alleged shooter as 20-year-old Pennsylvania resident Thomas Matthew Crooks, and say that their investigation is ongoing.

Following the events, a BBC reporter - who was at the scene - has described what happened when the attempt on Trump's life took place.

Donald Trump has survived an assassination attempt (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Gary O'Donoghue, 55, who is a political correspondent, could be seen lying on the ground speaking to the camera while the incident was taking place.

Gary, who is blind, said: "While we were just about to go live on the BBC World Service, we heard some shots fired probably a few hundred metres from where we were standing.

"Probably about half a dozen shots we heard. There was a woman shouting that someone had been shooting. A guy came by and said he thought there had been a couple of snipers but he wasn't sure.

"We're just waiting to see if things have cleared, as you can see we're on the ground behind our car which is not ideal but that's the shelter we have at the moment.

"I think the speech has stopped, I can't hear Donald Trump speaking any more."

Gary could be seen on the ground in the clip (BBC)

Trump has released a statement since the incident, writing on his Truth Social platform that he will remain 'defiant' in the aftermath of the attack.

"Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers yesterday, as it was God alone who prevented the unthinkable from happening," he began.

"We will fear not, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness.

"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed.

"In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win.

"I truly love our Country, and love you all, and look forward to speaking to our Great Nation this week from Wisconsin. DJT."