'Very many' wounded in Russian siege

There are conflicting reports coming out of Russia on the numbers of dead and injured.

Some reports put the number dead five - four children and a woman. Some 310 others are reported to have been wounded after commandos stormed the school.

At least seven people were killed and 310 others wounded, ITAR-Tass reported. Troops killed five of the hostage-takers but 13 others escaped, the news agency said.

A nurse spreading sheets on stretchers said Russian officials expected “very many” wounded.

The children’s hospital head in Vladikavkaz, the regional capital, said of 69 wounded child hostages admitted, five were in grave condition.

Other child victims had been admitted to various hospitals in the area.

The scene around the school was chaotic: people running through the streets, columns of smoke overhead, the cries of children and the wounded carried off on stretchers.