Embassy gunman dies

A GUNMAN who took hostages at the Estonian defence ministry killed himself, and the two hostages escaped unharmed as police intervened yesterday, a police spokesman said.

Spokesman Mihkel Loide told the local Delfi news agency that the gunman shot himself while hostages escaped unscathed during the police operation.

One official was quoted as saying the gunman was a former member of the Estonian defence forces but made no reference to possible motives.

Estonian defence minister Mart Laar was not in the building.

The gunman was earlier reported to have set off an explosive device and fired shots.

Police cordoned off the ministry building and evacuated workers.