Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar confirmed a shootout incident had occurred in Semporna on the evening.

The shootout incident happened in Kampung Sri Jaya Siminul at 7.30pm when a team of police conducted a check at a premise in the village.

"The purpose of the check was to determine whether the occupant of the house involved with the intrusion in Lahad Datu," said The Royal Malaysia Police on its facebook page at about 11.05pm on Saturday.

So far, police have yet to confirm how many people involved during the shootout.

However, it is believed that not more than 10 people involved and several policemen were reportedly injured during the incident.