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The Queen expressed her deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in the recent mass shooting in Canada. The monarch, issuing a statement on her birthday, said: "Prince Philip and I have been deeply saddened by the appalling events in Nova Scotia, and we send our condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have lost their lives.

"I also pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of the officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and other police services who selflessly responded to these devastating attacks, and to the emergency services who are supporting those who have been injured and affected. "My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nova Scotia and all Canadians at this tragic time." The Queen's message, shared also in French, comes after a gunman disguised as a police officer went on a 12-hour rampage on Saturday, ended with a car chase and the death of the suspect. Please sign up to pledge your support now to our brave NHS Heroes

The Queen has issued a statement to pay tribute to the victims of the Nova Scotia mass shooting

Canadians have been paying tributes to those killed by the gunman

During the attack, the killer is believed to have shot at people and torched cars. Among those murdered, there are a police constable, a corrections officer, a nurse and a teacher. The worst mass shooting in the modern history of Canada was described as a tragedy by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. READ MORE: Camilla and Charles share touching pictures to mark Queen's birthday

The Queen is turning 94 today

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the shooting a tragedy

The Queen and Prince Philip are self-isolating at Windsor Castle

The monarch's statement was welcomed by royal fans on social media. One wrote: "Wonderful message for the people of #NovaScotia". Another said: "My deepest condolences to Canada and Nova Scotia as families and friends, for the lives lost in this appalling incident." The Queen's latest statement comes on the day she turns 94.

The Queen is the head of state in Canada

On her birthday, the monarch is self-isolating with Prince Philip at Windsor Castle. There, she is expected to receive the birthday wishes from her extended family via video link, as all members of the Royal Family are isolating at their own residences to protect themselves from coronavirus. From Windsor Castle, the Duke of Edinburgh broke his three-year-long silence and issued his first statement yesterday.

At least 18 people have been killed by a gunman on Saturday