The Aurora community in Denver have gathered together in a candlelight vigil to mourn the 12 people killed by a gunman at a midnight showing of The Dark Knight Rises.

The shooting at the Century Aurora 16 movie theatre was allegedly committed by 24-year-old James Holmes who was taken into custody shortly after the gunfire broke out.

He wore what appeared to be a bullet-proof vest and riot-type mask as he opened fire in the cinema with apparently three weapons.

Aaron Bennett, a local resident who attended the vigil, said: "By coming out here to show our support for the families that lost people and who have been injured, it allows us to take back our city, and not become victims ourselves by allowing one person to prey on innocent men, women and children."