The headmaster of a school attended by mass murderer Elliot Rodger has issued a statement expressing shock at the “Isla Vista” killings. 

Mr Rodger, a 22-year-old student, killed six people and injured thirteen more in the university town of Isla Vista, California, on May 23. He then killed himself with a gunshot to the head.

Until the age of five he lived in West Sussex, attending Dorset House School in Pulborough.

Richard Brown, headmaster, said: “Elliot Rodger attended Dorset House for just one year between 1995 and 1996 when he was aged four to five. He and his family then relocated to the US.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved with or affected by the recent tragic event in the US - in particular the families of the deceased and the seriously injured, as well as the family of Elliot Rodger.

“Dorset House is a small family prep school which cares for its children and we have all been shocked and saddened by the events which have taken place.”