UN chief, Obama condemn 'heinous' Pakistan school attack

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned a deadly Taliban attack on a Pakistan school on Tuesday as "an act of horror and rank cowardice to attack defenceless children while they learn".

"No cause can justify such brutality. No grievance can excuse such horror," Ban said. "Getting an education is every child's right. Going to school should not have to be an act of bravery."

At least 130 people, most of them children, were killed on Tuesday after Taliban gunmen broke into a school in the Pakistani city of Peshawar and opened fire, witnesses said, in the bloodiest massacre the country has seen for years.

The United States also condemned the 'horrific' attack.

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President Barack Obama pledged continued support for the Pakistan government's efforts "to combat terrorism and extremism and to promote peace and stability in the region."

"By targeting students and teachers in this heinous attack, terrorists have once again shown their depravity," he said in a statement released by the White House.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday's Taliban attack had angered the world.

"The news of the brazen murder of more than 120 innocent students in Peshawar is devastating," he told reporters.

"This morning, wherever you live, wherever you are, those are our children and this is the world's loss.

"This act of terror angers and shakes all people of conscience ... the perpetrators must be brought to justice."

Kerry also expressed support for Australians after Monday's hostage-taking in a Sydney cafe which left two innocent people dead.

"We grieve with Australia, with the families of all those terrorised, injured and killed," he said.

"Even though we are at opposite ends of the globe, the United States and Australia are united ... by our values and our years of cooperation together."