Man in custody after shots fired near White House

A man has been shot in the knee and taken to hospital after he fired shots outside the White House.

A man is in custody, say the US Park Police.

He is believed to be in his forties, despite earlier reports that he was a teenager.

The Secret Service says one of its officers shot the man outside the White House.

One law enforcement official says at least one shot was fired in the incident.

Several witnesses say they heard a popping sound that appeared to be a gunshot.

Security guards have sealed off an alley between the President's residence and the Treasury Department building.

President George W Bush was working in the White House when the incident took place.

It has prompted fresh fears about security in the area surrounding the White House.