Local cop allegedly confronted Trump shooter but retreated when gunman pointed rifle at him

A local police officer encountered the man who attempted to assassinate Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, reports have claimed.

The suspected shooter, who has been identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, attacked the former president at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Footage of the rally shows the sound of several gunshots ringing out and Trump clutching his ear before ducking down and being swarmed by secret service agents.

Before he was escorted to a waiting SUV, Trump raised his fist in the air and appeared to repeatedly mouth the word 'FIGHT' to the crowd.

Reports from investigators, who have remained anonymous, have claimed to Associated Press that eyewitnesses saw an officer climbing a ladder to confront a man believed to be Crooks on a roof.

When the gunman pointed a rifle at the officer, they retreated back down a ladder, officials claim.

Moments later, shots rang out which grazed Trump's ear, leaving him bleeding but not seriously injured.

One member of the audience was killed in the attack, while two others were critically injured.

Trump is swarmed by Secret Service agents after the shots ring out. (Trump Campaign Office / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Crooks was shot dead by Secret Service counter-snipers within seconds of firing his shots.

BBC reports have interviewed eyewitnesses who claim they saw someone 'bear-crawling' up the side of a building overlooking the rally while holding a rifle.

Donald Trump's aides confirmed that he was 'fine' after the attack.

A statement released by Trump after the attack reads: "I want to thank the United States Secret Service and all of Law Enforcement, for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania.

"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

Trump takes cover beneath the podium after a bullet grazed his ear. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“It is incredible that such an act can take place in our country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. 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, so I realised then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

The attack has raised huge questions as to how a man visibly carrying a rifle was able to get within 100 metres of a presidential nominee.

An investigation has now been launched into the attack, with executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch Robert Wells telling reporters: “Every single tip that we receive, we will be investigating and running it down as quickly as we possibly can."

UNILAD has contacted the FBI for comment.