At least 40 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded after gunmen (four of them clad in camouflage) attacked a packed concert venue on the outskirts of Moscow, said media reports, citing Russian intelligence. 

 

Gunmen have attacked a concert hall on the fringes of Moscow, killing at least 40 people and wounding 100 more, reported BBC citing Russian security services.

 

Crocus City Hall was about to host a rock concert when the gunmen burst into the foyer and then the theatre itself. Much of the building was engulfed by fire and part of the roof collapsed.

 

At least four attackers clad in camouflage gear took part in the attack, in the north-west suburb of Krasnogorsk, it stated.

 

The attack, which Russian authorities are investigating as terrorism, is the deadliest in Russia in recent years. Several gunmen burst into the concert hall on the edge of Moscow and sprayed visitors with automatic gunfire, killing and wounding dozens and starting a massive blaze.

 

Dramatic video showed panicked concertgoers taking cover as shots and explosions rang out. Children are said to be among the casualties and the Russian foreign ministry has condemned a "terrorist attack", reported CNN.

 

Russia's national guard said it was searching for the gunmen who have yet to be identified.

 

The attack unfolded before the music group Picnic was set to perform, according to Russia 24. The band’s manager told state media that the performers were unharmed.

 

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Telegram wrote, "The entire world community must condemn this despicable crime!"

 

Meanwhile, The White House said it is working to find out more about the situation and Ukraine has denied any involvement in the attack.

 

Emergency services reported that approximately 100 individuals were evacuated from the basement of a Moscow concert hall following a shooting and fire outbreak on Friday.