PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

"When I think about this boy I think about my own kids. I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it's imperative that we investigate every aspect of this."

Barack Obama has offered his support to the family of Trayvon Martin.

The 17 year old was shot dead near his father's home in Florida.

Neighbourhood watch captain George Zimmerman pulled the trigger, but he is yet to be arrested.

Today, the President offered these words of sympathy for family of the dead teenager.

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA:

"My main message is to the parents of Trayvon Martin. If I had a son he'd look like Trayvon and I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves and that we are going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.")

Martin's death sparked widespread condemnation as the gun laws in Florida allow the use of deadly force in a fight.

When the two met, Martin was carrying a bag of sweets.

Zimmerman was carrying a loaded weapon.

Following questions about the police handling of the case, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee has temporarily resigned.

A special prosecutor has since been assigned to the case.