Six killed in Russian shootout

Russian authorities say a man opened fire in a south-western town, killing at least six people before fleeing.

Officials at the city hall in Belgorod said the man opened fire outside a department store, killing five people immediately, including a girl in her early teens. Another victim died in hospital.

The RIA Novosti news agency cited local investigators as saying that the man opened fire while he tried to rob a gun store.

Police locked down the entire neighbourhood as they searched for the man, whom they believe to be a former convict. Police have not released the suspect’s name.

With gun control stricter than in many countries, such multiple killings are rare in Russia.