King Charles issues statement on horrific school shooting in Austria as monarch and Camilla 'deeply shocked'

In a statement released this morning, the King said: "My wife and I were deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the appallingly tragic events at the Dreierschútzengasse school in Graz.

"Schools should be places of sanctuary and learning, which makes this horrific attack on students and staff all the more dreadful.

"Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families of all those affected by this terrible loss of life and injury.

"We send our deepest sympathy to all Austrians at this profoundly distressing time."

A 21-year-old former student carried out the assault before taking his own life in a school bathroom, according to police.

Among the victims were one teacher and nine students aged between 14 and 17. Six females and three males died at the scene, whilst two females succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Police confirmed that all victims were Austrian nationals except for one Polish citizen.

An additional ten people sustained injuries in the attack, with those wounded ranging in age from 15 to 26.

Authorities report that none of the injured remain in critical condition.

The perpetrator was a 21-year-old who lived with his Austrian mother in the Graz-Umgebung District. His father, of Armenian descent, had been absent from the household since his parents separated.

Police confirmed the gunman legally possessed both weapons used in the attack - a pistol and a shotgun - and held a valid firearms licence. The weapons are undergoing forensic examination.

Interior Minister Gerhard Karner revealed the attacker had not completed his studies at the school. Authorities confirmed he had no prior criminal record.

Police have yet to establish a motive for the assault, with investigations ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Austria's deadliest school shooting in recent history.

Law enforcement has implemented heightened security protocols at schools throughout Graz following the tragedy.

Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen visited the city and indicated the nation might reassess its firearms regulations in response to the attack.

"If we come to the conclusion that the gun law needs to be changed, then we will do so," the President stated.

The shooting has prompted national reflection on weapon accessibility, particularly given that the perpetrator legally owned his firearms and possessed valid licensing.

Austrian authorities continue their investigation whilst the community grapples with what officials describe as the country's deadliest school shooting in recent memory.