Hans Zimmer dedicates song to Colorado shooting victims

The Dark Knight Rises composer Hans Zimmer has released a new song to raise funds for the victims of last week's Colorado cinema massacre.

The Oscar-winning maestro created the score for the film, which was playing when gunman James Holmes allegedly opened fire in an Aurora cinema during a midnight screening of the movie on 20 July, killing 12 and injuring 58 others.

Zimmer spoke out in the wake of the tragedy, admitting he was "devastated" by the news, and now he has recorded a new tune dedicated to those who lost their lives.

Aurora, which is over eight minutes long, was posted on the star's Facebook.com page on Friday and is being sold online in exchange for donations from £0.06 to £1,563.

In a post on the site, he writes, "I recorded this song in London in the days following the tragedy as a heartfelt tribute to the victims and their families. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Aurora Victim Relief organization."