At least 40 people have been killed after gunmen burst into a concert hall in Moscow and fired at the crowd, according to Russia’s Federal Security Service.
The gunmen, wearing combat fatigues, also caused a huge blaze at the Crocus City Hall. Russian media reported the venue’s roof was collapsing.
More than 100 were wounded in the attack, the FSB said.
Footage taken inside the auditorium shows up to four gunmen firing automatic weapons as people crouch and hide behind seats.
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Emergency service vehicles at the scene. Pic: Reuters
In other videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels, extended rounds of gunfire could be heard while two men with rifles were moving through the venue’s mall.
Russian news reports said the attackers threw explosives, triggering the massive blaze at the venue, where flames and plumes of black smoke could be seen rising into the air.
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the raid, Russia’s worst terror attack in many years.
Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said: “A terrible tragedy occurred in the shopping centre Crocus City today.”
He added: “I am sorry for the loved ones of the victims.”
A massive blaze is seen at the Crocus City Hall concert venue. Pic: AP
White House national security adviser John Kirby said he could not yet speak about all the details but that “the images are just horrible. And just hard to watch”.
“Our thoughts are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack,” Mr Kirby said.
“There are some mums and dads and brothers and sisters and sons and daughters who haven’t gotten the news yet. This is going to be a tough day.”
Men cover themselves with blankets near the burning venue. Pic: Reuters
Russian special operations forces near Crocus City Hall. Pic: Reuters
Mr Kirby said there was “no indication at this time that Ukraine, Ukrainians were involved”.
But Russia said if the US knew for sure Ukraine was not involved then it should share any information it had.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: “On what basis do officials in Washington draw any conclusions in the midst of a tragedy about someone’s innocence?”
She said if Washington had information it should be shared and if it had no information it should not be talking in such a way.
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