Charleston church shooting - in pictures

Worshippers embrace following a group prayer across the street from the scene of a shooting

Nine people, including state senator Celementa Pinckne, have been killed by white gunman who opened fire inside a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Police have described the attack as a 'hate crime'. Authorities are looking for a young white man in connection to the massacre.

Surreace Cox, of North Charleston, holds a sign during a prayer vigil down the street from the Emanuel AME Church

A passing motorist looks out her window as she stops at an intersection down the street from the Emanuel AME Church

A man kneels across the street from where police gather following a shooting (AP)

Local ministers comfort each other near the site of a mass shooting (EPA)

A police officer uses a flashlight while searching the area following a shooting in Charleston

Police talk to a man outside the Emanuel AME Church following a shooting

Charleston Police Chief Gregory Mullen, addresses the media

A man reacts while talking to police officer

An armed police officer moves up Calhoun Street following a shooting

A photographer is detained as police respond to a shooting at the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. A gunman opened fire at the historic African-American church in downtown Charleston. The photographer was later released

The steeple of Emanuel AME Church