NRA in pledge to prevent shootings

US gun rights body the National Rifle Association (NRA) has broken its silence four days after a school shooting which left 26 people dead, pledging to help prevent future incidents.

The organisation made its first public statements today after a self-imposed media blackout that left many wondering how it would respond to the killings at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, which left 26 people dead - including 20 children.

In its statement, the NRA said its members were “shocked, saddened and heartbroken by the news of the horrific and senseless murders”.

The group also said it wanted to give families time to mourn before making its first public statements.

The organisation pledged “to help to make sure this never happens again”, and has scheduled a news conference for Friday.