UK News 03-09-2004 Russian Forces Storm School who: Russian forces what: Storm Middle School Number One as siege heads for violent conclusion where: North Ossetia, Russia when: Today snippet: "Russian special forces have stormed the school where hundreds of hostages are being held," says Sky News as What The Papers Say nears its deadline this morning. "Dozens of hostage are fleeing the building as a major battle breaks out between the Russian army and gang holding the group." At least 40 hostages, many of them blood-soaked and semi-naked, have fled to safety but many more appear to be still inside the school, where the roof has collapsed. Reports say the terrorists sparked off the massive gun battle by shooting indiscriminately and setting off explosives. Russian special forces units entered the building from several positions. Official figures say there were 350 hostages inside but some witnesses claim the figure was as much as 1,500. "There is pandemonium in the streets," says the BBC`s Damian Grammaticas from the scene. Latest reports say the school is now under the control of Russian forces and most of the children are unhurt. However, very loud gunfire and explosions have been heard since that report. [... more]

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