Deadly shooting at Moscow concert hall leaves 40 dead, 100 injured

Russian media have reported a devastating shooting at the Crocus City Hall concert hall in northwest Moscow, which left at least 40 people dead and 100 injured. Initial footage from the scene has begun to circulate online, with only a selection being shared due to their disturbing content.

The footage shows the early moments of the assault on the concert hall, capturing two masked individuals wielding automatic weapons as they enter the venue. According to reports from Kremlin-affiliated media, an explosion was also heard.

Black smoke billows from Crocus City Hall, painting a grim picture of the aftermath.

Additional footage reveals flames and dense smoke enveloping the building.

It's believed that two explosions occurred inside, potentially sparked by a fire, causing part of the roof to cave in.

Authorities are currently on the lookout for four masked and armed individuals suspected of fleeing the scene.

Emergency response teams from over 70 ambulances rushed to provide medical care to the wounded victims.

The attack took place just before a scheduled performance by the band Picnic, with the concert hall within Crocus City Hall packed with fans. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene.

The assailants are responsible for at least 40 deaths and for injuring 100 individuals. Firefighting crews successfully rescued around 100 people trapped in the building's basement.

Telegraph channel Meduza has highlighted that on March 19, Vladimir Putin dismissed alerts from U.S. diplomats regarding a potential terrorist attack on a densely populated venue in Moscow. The Russian leader denounced the American cautionary advice as "blackmail" from the West, aiming to "intimidate and destabilize our society".