Two people are fighting for their lives and another five are recovering from stab wounds in hospital after a knife attack in Russia this morning.
The attacker, who appeared to be wearing a fake suicide belt, was shot dead by police in a busy street in Surgut, central Russia, at about 11.20am local time.
He ‘carried out attacks on passers-by, causing stab wounds to eight,’ Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes said.
A spokesman added that armed police then ‘liquidated’ the attacker.
At least eight people have been wounded in a knife attack in Surgut, central Russia
The assailant ‘carried out attacks on passers-by, causing stab wounds to eight,’ Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes said
Nobody was killed in the assault but victims needed immediate medical treatment, said officers.
Two of the victims are fighting for their lives while five more are in a stable condition, the government of the Khanty-Mansi region said in a statement.
The attacker has been identified and may have suffered from a psychiatric disorder, the interior ministry said.
‘The version that the attack was a terrorist one is not the main one,’ the interior ministry added.
‘In the interests of public calm and also of the investigation, citizens and media are recommended to use reliable information in assessing the situation until all the circumstances are established.’
Surgut is the largest city of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area region with a population of around 350,000
The attacker was shot dead by police in Surgut at about 11.20am local time
Surgut is the largest city of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area region with a population of around 350,000.
It is a major centre for oil and gas production in the country.
More to follow.
Armed police ‘liquidated’ the attacker (pictured on the ground), a spokesman for Russia’s Investigative Committee said. He has not yet been identified and police are attempting to establish his motive for the stabbing spree