The Voice star Christina Grimmie is shot dead by gunman who opened fire five times at her Florida concert then killed himself in murder-suicide - despite her brother's brave attempt to stop him

Christina Grimmie, former star of The Voice, has been shot dead after a concert in Florida on Friday night by an unidentified suspect who then killed himself.

Grimmie, 22, was attacked backstage at around 10:45pm at the Plaza Live theater while she was signing autographs and the shooter was then tackled by her brother Mark before turning the gun on himself, according to witnesses.

The shooting happened in front of about 60 children and teenagers.

She was taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center in a critical condition; one witness said he saw her bleeding from the head and being given chest compressions. 

The gunman died on the scene. No-one else was hurt during the shooting.

At 2.45am her publicist confirmed the star had died from her injuries. 

'It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm that Christina has passed and went home to be with the Lord. She was shot at her show in Orlando and, unfortunately, didn't survive the gun shot wounds,' she said.   

'We ask at this time that you respect the privacy of her family and friends in their time of mourning. If you'd like to give back to Christina's family in her memory, please consider donating to the families GoFundMe page in their time of need.' 

Orlando Police later confirmed her death on Twitter. 

'With deep regret, we have confirmed Christina Grimmie, has died from her injuries', they said.

Singer Demi Lovato tweeted: '#RIPChristina. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones.' 

Josh Call told The Orlando Sentinel he was outside the venue working at a vegan hot dog stand when he heard four or five gunshots.