Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf sends condolences to shooting victims after 'terrible atrocity'
Sweden's King has offered his condolences to the victims and families affected by a shooting at a school campus that has left at least 10 dead, describing the incident as a "terrible atrocity".
King Carl XVI Gustaf and his wife, Queen Silvia, said they received the news with "sadness and consternation" following the attack on Tuesday afternoon (overnight in Australia).
Police say a gunman opened fire at an adult education centre on the outskirts of the city of Orebro, which is located about 200 kilometres west of Stockholm.
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Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf, pictured with his heir Crown Princess Victoria, has offered his condolences following a school shooting on Tuesday. AP
At least 10 people have been killed, including the gunman.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described it as the "worst mass shooting in Swedish history".
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Links to terrorism has so far been ruled out but a motive remains unclear.
Hours after the deadly incident, the country's King issued a statement via the Royal Court.
Swedish police say at least 10 people were killed during a shooting at Risbergska School, in Örebro, Sweden. AP
"With sadness and consternation, my family and I have received the information about the terrible atrocity in Örebro," King Carl XVI Gustaf said.
"Tonight we send our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. Our thoughts at this moment also go to the injured and their relatives as well as others affected.
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"My family and I want to express our great appreciation for the police, rescue and medical personnel who worked intensively to save and secure human lives on this dark day."
Queen Silvia and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden described the shooting as a "terrible atrocity". Michael Campanella/Getty
The King is Europe's longest-serving monarch and the longest-reigning monarch in Sweden's history.
At 78, the King has ruled out stepping down and handing the throne to his daughter Crown Princess Victoria, who is more popular among Swedes than her father, according to recent polling.
The King and Queen had an official engagement at the Royal Palace in Stockholm as the tragedy west of the capital unfolded.
The King is scheduled to meet with Sweden's Prime Minister at the palace later today (Wednesday) but it is unclear if that engagement will proceed in light of the shooting.
King Frederik X of Denmark, which has historically shared close ties with Sweden, sent his own message to the those affected.
Frederik said he was "deeply horrified" by the "brutal shooting" and offered his "deepest condolences".
Gun violence at schools is very rare in Sweden.
But there have been several incidents in recent years in which people were wounded or killed with other weapons such as knives or axes.
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