US President Barack Obama is announcing a raft of gun control measures.

He's using a series of executive orders to by-pass Congress, which has blocked attemps at restricting firearm sales.

The measures include tightening the regulation of gun dealers, and broadening background checks for people buying firearms.

He's also announced increased funding for enforcement of current gun laws, including the appointment of extra federal agents. He also pledged more money to assist those with mental health issues, given the high rate of murder-suicide shootings. 

Listing a string of recent shootings President Obama said: "We do not have to accept this carnage as the price of our freedom."

The President says it's time for action on the issue: