Heavily-armed masked gunmen have burst into a famous
Moscow concert hall today killing at least 12 and leaving dozens injured. It is believed as many as five mystery gunmen opened
fire on a crowd of around 100, many of whom were trapped in the complex. Some of the attackers were filmed as they left the building, opening fire and executing a number of victims at near point-blank range. The cold-blooded attackers, wearing combat fatigues, hit the Crocus City Hall, a large concert venue on the western edge of the capital. A large blast was also heard, as well as assault rifles being fired. State news agency RIA said at least three people were involved in the attack but later that number was increased to five. It was also reported that a mall nearby was set on fire and plumes of black smoke were rising above the venue. Some of the crowd are believed to have fled to a basement to seek refuge. But it is feared others may be cut off on the fourth floor - trapped by the fire below. It is believed security services and
police have been ordered to launch a major lockdown in the city. Earlier this month the
US Embassy in Moscow issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks in Moscow. Follow live updates in our blog, below 18:54 Joseph Wilkes Band was due to perform A band called Picnic was due to perform at the venue tonight. 18:50 Joseph Wilkes Extremism warning Earlier this month the US Embassy in Moscow issued a warning about possible terrorist attacks in Moscow. It said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts…” At the same time Russia’s Federal Security Service said it has foiled an
Islamic State plot to attack a synagogue in Moscow. At the time the
ISIS cell was tracked down and “neutralised” according to Russia’s FSB security agency In the past Moscow has suffered horrific terror attacks launched by Chechen groups and so called “Black Widows” - the wives of killed jihadists or fighters. A view shows the burning Crocus City Hall concert hall following the
shooting incident in Krasnogorsk, outside Moscow ( Image: Moskva News Agency/AFP via Getty) 18:43 Joseph Wilkes The assailants threw explosives
Russian news reports said the assailants threw explosives, possibly grenades, triggering a massive blaze at the hall. The attack took place as crowds gathered for a concert of Picnic, a famed Russian rock band. The hall can accommodate over 6,000 people. Russian news reports said that visitors were being evacuated, but some said that an unspecified number of people could have been trapped by the blaze. Extended rounds of gunfire could be heard on multiple videos posted by Russian media and Telegram channels. One showed two men with rifles moving through the mall. More videos showed up to four attackers, armed with assault rifles and wearing caps, who were shooting screaming people at point-blank range. It is a massive blow to Russian President
Vladimir Putin who recently dismissed
American terror warnings as an attempts at intimidating Russians. Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, said he was heading to the area and set up a task force to deal with the damage. He didn't immediately offer any further details. Russian media reports said that riot police units were being sent to the area as people were being evacuated. The gunmen storm the venue ( Image: MASH)