Evidence has emerged that Adam Lanza, the 20-year-old who carried out the shocking Sandyhook Elementary school massacre on Friday that killed 20 children and 6 teachers, may have been directly influenced by his mother Nancy Lanza, who according to family and friends was known as a gun-proud survivalist who believed that the end of society was coming and the world was on the brink of economic collapse.

The 52-year-old is also said to have been part of the "prepper" movement, which urges supporters to be prepared for social anarchy by collecting supplies and training with weapons. She had five legally registered guns and had taken her sons to local ranges to learn how to shoot.

A close friend also claimed that just days before the killings, Lanza's mother had spoken of her fear that she was "losing" her troubled son. "She said it was getting worse. She was having trouble reaching him," the friend said.

Before heading to Sandy Hook Elementary, Lanza began his massacre by shooting his mother dead in bed. Officials say he was armed with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and used a semi-automatic rifle as his main weapon. He was also carrying two handguns, and a shotgun was recovered from a car.

Police are in the process of releasing the victims' bodies to their families and the first funerals are expected shortly.

I am Ann Salter thanks for watching. Stay tuned with us at ibtimes.co.uk for the latest news on the Sandyhook School Massacre.

Written and presented by Ann Salter