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Batman Movie Massacre: Weapons Bought Legally

As the US mourns of its most deadliest mass shootings recent history, more details the gunman's rampage are revealed.

The man suspected shooting 12 people dead and wounding 58 during a screening of the new Batman movie in Colorado legally purchased four guns and 6,000 rounds of ammunition the last 60 days, police have revealed.

More details about the bloody massacre a cinema in Aurora, near Denver - and the extent of the weaponry used - were outlined by officials a news conference.

The gunman, who burst a midnight screening of the firm and opened , was arrested shortly afterwards and has been identified 24-year-old James Holmes, a loner recently quit medical school.

Ten people were killed the scene with another two dying later their injuries.

Eleven people are in a critical condition in hospital while only one of the dead has so been identified.

Aurora police chief Dan Oates said Holmes had bought the four guns local shops and the 6,000 rounds of ammunition the internet.

All the weapons purchased legally, he added.

Describing the rampage , he said: "As far as we know it was a pretty rapid pace fire in that theatre."

The gunman wearing a gas mask and a bulletproof as he fired shots and hurled a gas canister the movie-goers.

Holding tears, an emotional Mr Oates also described the potential danger of booby the police face while trying to search the gunman's flat.

His apartment is filled with trip and chemicals, leading the evacuation of five buildings nearby.

The operation to search the flat would resume the morning, Mr Oates said.

The police are also to meet shortly with the victims' families.

The news conference after Christopher Nolan, the director of the new Batman film that was screened at the time of the massacre, called it a "senseless tragedy", that was "unbearably savage".

The Oscar-nominated filmmaker cancelled French premiere of The Dark Knight Rises and a media junket Paris hours after the shootings.

"Speaking on of the cast and crew... I would like to express our profound sorrow the senseless tragedy that has befallen entire Aurora community," he said.

British-American Mr Nolan is director of Batman trilogy that started with The Dark Knight in 2008 and of The Dark Knight Rises is the final instalment.

President Barack Obama said he saddened by the "horrific and tragic shooting".

He short campaigning for the November presidential elections to return the White House, where flags were lowered mourning.

The Queen sent a message sympathy to Mr Obama.

The British monarch said: "I was saddened learn of the tragic loss of life earlier in Denver, Colorado.

"Prince Philip joins me extending our heartfelt sympathy to and the people of America at this time."


Adapted and abridged from: Sky News, July 21, 2012.