At least 16 people were killed in a shoot-out between gunmen and police in the Philippine capital Manila.

Manila police chief Leopoldo Bataoil said the men had belonged to a gang that was planning to rob a warehouse in the suburb of Paranaque.

The men, some armed with rifles fitted with grenade launchers, started firing indiscriminately after realising police were following them. At least 10 gang members died along with a young girl and other civilians.

"When they found out they were being trailed... they went berserk," Bataoil said.

Four bystanders, one policeman and two security guards were killed, in addition to the would-be robbers, the police chief said.