15 December 2012 Last updated at 00:13

In pictures: School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

Scene outside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on 14 Dec 2012

Newtown in the US state of Connecticut has reacted with shock over a mass shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. Twenty six people - including 20 children - have been killed, as well as the gunman.

Scene outside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, on 14/12/12

Anxious family members gathered outside the school to await news.

One parent said his child's teacher locked the door to the classroom after hearing the shots, and moved all the children in to one corner of the room, where they stayed until they were rescued by the police.

State police at the scene outside Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut on 14/12/12

Police said the gunman was dead inside the school, and US media report that the killer was the 20-year-old son of a teacher at the school.

The shooting sparked a huge police operation, with a large area around the school cordoned off.

Connecticut governor Dannel Malloy talks with officials in Newtown following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on 14/12/12

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy, seen here on the right, met the families of some of the victims before speaking in public.

Barack Obama wipes away tears while commenting on the Connecticut shootings

President Barack Obama gave an emotional response to the shootings at a news conference.

A flag flies at half-mast at the White House

Flags over White House are flying at half-mast. The US is now coming to terms with one of the worst mass shootings in its recent history.

Candle-lit vigil outside the White House

Outside the White House, a candle-lit vigil was held as citizens gathered to remember Newtown's victims.

Flag at half-mast in Newtown, Connecticut

As the sun went down over Newtown, the community began to adjust to the shock. Flags in the town flew at half-mast.

US & Canada

In pictures: School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut

Share this page

Services

About BBC News