Vladimir Putin among world leaders offering condolences to Donald Trump over Las Vegas shooting

'This crime which killed tens of peaceful citizens is shocking in its cruelty'

The atrocity has left at least 59 people dead and hundreds injured (Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to his US counterpart Donald Trump following the Las Vegas mass shooting which killed at least 59 people and left hundreds injured.

Reuters reported that Mr Putin sent a message to Mr Trump which said: “This crime which killed tens of peaceful citizens is shocking in its cruelty.”

Other world leaders expressed their condolences on the day of America’s worst massacre in living memory, carried out by gunman Stephen Paddock.

Mr Trump drew fierce criticism from some quarters for his failure to speak about the need for gun control following the massacre.

He said instead: “Our nation is heartbroken. We mourn with all whose loved ones were murdered and injured in last night's horrible tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada. As we grieve, we pray that God may provide comfort and relief to all those suffering.”

Barack Obama, who tried to control America’s notoriously powerful gun lobby during his presidency but was thwarted by Congress said on Twitter: “Michelle & I are praying for the victims in Las Vegas. Our thoughts are with their families & everyone enduring another senseless tragedy.”

Bill and Hillary Clinton, who have both attempted to oppose powerful lobbying group, the National Rifle Association (NRA) without success, also offered condolences.

Ms Clinton said: “Our grief isn't enough. We can and must put politics aside, stand up to the NRA, and work together to try to stop this from happening again.”

While her husband put out a less political tweet, saying simply: “Thinking of the victims and responders in Las Vegas. This should be unimaginable in America.”

Vice President Mike Pence paid tribute to the "courageous first responders", but made no reference to the wealthy NRA, who are closely associated with the Republican Party.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell also made no mention of gun control, saying: ”Keeping #LasVegas in our thoughts this morning after the horrific news.“

US politicians appear more divided along party lines than ever on the matter of gun control, with Republicans seemingly determined to uphold the constitutional right to bear arms no matter how high the body count.

Democrats, on the other hand, have not held back in calling for urgent reform of the gun laws.

Massachussetts Democrat Senator Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter: ”Thoughts & prayers are NOT enough. Not when more moms & dads will bury kids this week, & more sons & daughters will grow up without parents.

“Tragedies like Las Vegas have happened too many times. We need to have the conversation about how to stop gun violence. We need it NOW.“

But Kentucky Republican Governor Matt Bevin took the usual gun lobby line when he said: ”To all those political opportunists who are seizing on the tragedy in Las Vegas to call for more gun regs ... you can't regulate evil.“

Democrat Representative Seth Moulton of Massachussetts said on Twitter: "As after #Orlando, I will NOT be joining my colleagues in a moment of silence on the House Floor, that just becomes an excuse for inaction.“

And former Arizona Democrat Representative Gabrielle Cliffords, who was shot by an assailant in 2011, said she was “heartbroken” by the devastation, adding: “No person should endure the horror Las Vegas experienced last night.”

Republican House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, who was shot at a Congressional baseball game in June, made no mention of gun control in his statement: “In this tragic moment, I encourage people across America to stand together in solidarity, and to support the Las Vegas community and all of those affected, especially by giving blood and encouraging others to do the same.

"In the face of unspeakable evil, our whole nation must respond with countless acts of kindness, warmth and generosity.”

Messages of sympathy from around the world included one from the Queen, who said in a statement: “Prince Philip and I were saddened to learn of the terrible attack in Las Vegas. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and those who have been injured.”

Prime Minister Theresa May said: “The UK's thoughts are with the victims and the emergency services responding to the appalling attack in Las Vegas.”

The Vatican also paid its respects, saying: “Deeply saddened to learn of the shooting in Las Vegas, Pope Francis sends the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all those affected by this senseless tragedy.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Twitter: “Words fail this morning. The friendship & support of Canadians is with the victims in Las Vegas & the people of the US.”

And German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement: “I was shocked by the news from Las Vegas. Our sympathy and condolences go to the relatives and families of the victims.”