Photo courtesy BBC

Nine people have been killed and seven injured in a shooting at a college in the US state of Oregon.

The gunman, 26, opened fire at Umpqua Community College on Thursday morning and was killed in a police shootout. There were conflicting reports on casualties but Douglas County Sheriff John Hanlin said 10 dead, including the gunman, was “the best” figure.

Police have not identified the attacker but un-named officers have told US media his name is Chris Harper Mercer, but a man identified as the gunman’s father, Ian Mercer, told US media he was “just as shocked as everybody” by his son’s actions.

Hours after the attack, in which seven were also injured, a visibly frustrated President Barack Obama demanded tighter gun laws, saying prayers are “no longer enough”.

The killer’s motive is not known, although police said they were investigating reports that he had warned of his intentions on social media.

(BBC)