Police have defended their handling of the massacre at Virginia Tech in the US.

The university's campus has been the scene of the worst shooting rampage in American history. The death toll stands at 33, including the gunman. Another 29 people were injured when the shooter opened up at two separate locations.

Police decided not to close the university after the first shootings, which took place in a dormitory building. They say it looked like an isolated incident. But two hours later, dozens of people were gunned down at a classroom block at the other end of Virginia Tech.

The gunman killed himself. Police are still trying to identify him, and work out a motive.

George Bush says he is shocked and saddened by the tragedy. The President has spoken to his stunned nation in an address from the White House.

"Schools should be places of safety and sanctuary and learning. When that sanctuary is violated the impact is felt in every American classroom and every American community."

The finger of blame for the shootings is being pointed squarely at video and computer games. US Campaigner Jack Thompson claims violent video games have repeatedly been used by teenagers as ?murder simulators? to rehearse violent plans. He believes today's massacre is simply the latest in a long line of cases.

Mr Thompson says America has more guns than people, and he agrees with President Bill Clinton who wanted to take away the stimuli to use those guns.