Orlando shootings: 'No evidence' link to IS

Relatives arrived at a venue in Orlando to learn if their loved ones were killed in the shooting   (Image: Getty)

There is no clear evidence that the Orlando shooter was directed by the so-called Islamic State group (IS), US President Barack Obama has said.

The inquiry into Sunday morning's attack, in which 49 people were killed, was being treated as a terrorist investigation, he said.

US authorities say gunman Omar Mateen pledged allegiance to IS shortly before the attack.

However, the extent of his links to IS remains unclear.

Speaking in Washington, the president said: "It does appear that at the last minute he [gunman Omar Mateen] announced allegiance to Isil [IS].

"But there is no evidence so far that he was in fact directed.

"This is certainly an example of the kind of home-grown extremism that all of us have been concerned about for a very long time," Mr Obama said.