Hostage-takers demand independence for Chechnya

Hostage-takers in Russia have demanded independence for Chechnya, a local news source has reported.

The raiders seized a school in the North Ossetian city of Beslan on Wednesday. There are fears this morning that the attackers are holding up to 1,500 children and adults, rather than the 350 believed up to now.

More on this as we get it.