News has just come in saying that at least 200 pupils and parents may have been taken hostage by the armed men. The men entered the building to take shelter from the gun fight which they were involved in with the police.
A unconfirmed report of a second school being taken hostage is also circulating.
An envoy in the region said a gun fight had broken out with police in the area.
The seizure comes amid heightened security following a suspected suicide bomb attack in Moscow on Tuesday night, and the bombing of two passenger planes last week.
Security officials are at the scene in Beslan trying to negotiate with hostage-takers.
Interfax news agency said at least 17 gunmen are involved.
news.bbc.co.uk...
[edit on 1-9-2004 by Gryffen]


