Orlando shooting: LGBT group aims to raise $2m for victims of Pulse nightclub attack

An LGBTQ group in Florida has set up a fundraising page aiming to raise $2 million (£1.4m) to help the victims of a mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando.

At least 50 people were killed and 53 injured in what has become the worst mass-shooting in recent US history after gunman Omar Mateen opened fire in Pulse nightclub at around 2am on Sunday (12 June 2016).

In a statement, Equality Florida, which set up the GoFundMe page, said: "We are reeling from the tragic news that a gunman opened fire on the 2am capacity crowd at Pulse, leaving 50 people dead and over 50 injured, according to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

"We are heartbroken and angry that senseless violence has once again destroyed lives in our state and in our country."

The group is now attempting to raise $2 million to help the victims of the tragedy and their families.

The fundraising page said: "Every penny raised will be distributed directly to the victims and their families.

"We are working with a team of attorneys and experts, including the National Center for Victims of Crime, which deployed funds in both Chattanooga and Aurora, to ensure funds are distributed correctly."

LGBTQ groups around the world have sent messages of condolence to the victims and families of the shooting, which is currently being investigated as a terror attack by the FBI. The gunman's father, Mir Seddique, told NBC News his son had become angry after seeing two men kissing in Miami and suggested that could have been a motive for the shooting.

Mateen also pledged his allegiance to Islamic State (Isis) during the attack in a phone call with the emergency services, and it has been reported by IS-linked news agency Amaq that the shooting "was carried out by an Islamic State fighter".