Mr Baldwin discharged the weapon during filming for the 19th Century western Rust and in the process shot the woman to death.

The woman was taken to hospital but died of her injuries. The man, the film's director, was receiving emergency care.

Detectives are investigating the incident at Bonanza Creek Ranch, a popular filming location.

The woman has been named as 42-year-old Halyna Hutchins, who was working as director of photography. The man being treated is Joel Souza, 48, the film's director.