Survivors of last week's shooting at the opening night of the new Batman movie 'The Dark Knight Rises', got the surprise of their lives yesterday because Christian Bale, the actor who plays the gothic lead, visited them in hospital.

The Medical Center of Aurora in Colorado released this photograph of Bale, surrounded by smiling staff and some of those being treated. Yesterday afternoon he spent two-and-a-half hours chatting to emergency teams who were first on the scene of the shooting, as well as doctors, police and the Colorado governor.

James Holmes burst into a midnight screening of Batman on Friday dressed as the character, wielding 3 guns. He indiscriminately sprayed bullets into the audience, killing 12 people and injuring 58. He made a first appearance in court on Monday – looking dazed and confused - and a full trial starts next week.

Meanwhile tributes outside the Century cinema are growing by the day, with well-wishers dropping off flowers, cards and gifts. And survivors have been willing to talk about some of the more gory details of their ordeal as well as some of the amazing acts of heroism

According to law enforcement officials in Colorado, there's been a 43.5% hike in the numbers of guns being bought in the state. And 300 more people this week than last, have asked for background checks on anyone wanting to buy them.

Written & Presented by Marverine Cole