The family of a man accused of shooting dead nine people at a church say they've been touched by victims' relatives offering forgiveness.

Dylann Roof came face-to-face with loved ones of some of those who died in South Carolina this week as he appeared in court via video-link.

Families of some of the nine people shot dead in a US church addressed the 21-year-old suspect, whose next court appearance will be in October.

Newton Brown, the sister of one of the victims, gave a statement in court:President Obama is insisting the murders demonstrate the need for gun control.

He says the attack shows racism is still a "blight" on US society - and he called once again for a new debate on firearms: