Obama shocked by Colorado shootings

President Barack Obama says he is "shocked and saddened" by the deadly mass shooting at a Colorado cinema.

He is urging the nation to "come together as one American family".

Mr Obama calls the shooting "horrific and tragic" and says his administration will do everything it can to support the people of Aurora.

He was in Florida at the time of the shooting. The White House says Mr Obama was informed of the shooting by his Homeland Security Adviser, John Brennan.

Fourteen people died when a gunman opened fire early today at a suburban US cinema during the screening of the latest Batman movie, police said.

At least 50 others were injured, said Dan Oates, police chief in Aurora, Colorado.

The violent and chaotic scene erupted about 12:30am local time as a gunman stood at the front of one of the Century 16 theatres at the Aurora Mall where the 'The Dark Knight Rises' was playing.

The youngest victim reported was a six-year-old being treated at Children’s Hospital Colorado, where a total of six victims were taken. Their condition was not known.

Obama statement in full:

"Michelle and I are shocked and saddened by the horrific and tragic shooting in Colorado.

"Federal and local law enforcement are still responding, and my administration will do everything that we can to support the people of Aurora in this extraordinarily difficult time.

"We are committed to bringing whoever was responsible to justice, ensuring the safety of our people, and caring for those who have been wounded.

"As we do when confronted by moments of darkness and challenge, we must now come together as one American family.

"All of us must have the people of Aurora in our thoughts and prayers as they confront the loss of family, friends, and neighbours, and we must stand together with them in the challenging hours and days to come."