Interpol offers help in school siege probe

International police organisation Interpol today offered Russia its help to determine whether militants who seized a school there were linked to international terrorists.

Interpol, based in Lyon, France, said that its global communications network, and databases on fingerprints, stolen travel documents, DNA and other data are available to Russia if needed.

“Interpol has also offered all assistance necessary to help establish any connection that may exist between the hostage-takers and international terrorist or extremist groups,” it said in a statement.

Russian commandos yesterday stormed the school in Beslan, Russia, that had been taken over by rebels demanding independence for Chechnya.

Russian officials said today that the death toll was at least 322, with about 500 people wounded. Many of the casualties were children.