Russian special forces troops have stormed the North Ossetia school where children were being held hostage.

A Russian commander has said troops are nearly in full control of the school in North Ossetia where children have been held captive since Wednesday.

Large numbers of people, some covered in blood, were seen fleeing the building shortly after 10am this morning.

It followed two large explosions and gunfire heard shortly before.

Reports suggest several of the hostage takers have been killed.

More on the Russian school siege in our national news section

Published Friday September 3, 2004