Fatal spate of shootings

AT least 11 people were shot dead and about 70 wounded in a weekend burst of violence in Chicago.

Police attributed the dozens of shootings to gangs, the illegal flow of guns and sweltering heat that drew more people outside. The victims ranged in age from 11 to 63. One teenage girl died after being shot in the face. A teenage boy was fatally shot riding a bike on Sunday. Other shootings took place at a block party and a funeral.

Mayor Mayor Rahm Emanuel said: “It is unacceptable to happen in any neighbourhood of Chicago.”