Alec Baldwin Speaks Out For First Time After Fatally Shooting Halyna Hutchins On Set

Baldwin wrote: "There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours.

"I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family.

"My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna."

The incident occurred on the set of the Western movie in New Mexico in what appears to have been a misfire.

Santa Fe Sheriff's Office said that Baldwin was the person holding the gun at the time of the incident.

They said that deputies were called to the set at around 2.00pm local time following a 911 call that reported a shooting.

The police statement said: "The sheriff's office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography, and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor.

"Ms Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St Vincent regional medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.

"This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident."

Souza has since been released from hospital.

Juan Rios, from the sheriff's department, added: "Mr Baldwin came in voluntarily to speak with investigators and after speaking with them he left."

He continued: "According to investigators, it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged.

"Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged."

Police investigations continue.