Russian Ambassador shot dead in Ankara

Moscow is sending investigators to Turkey after a policeman shot dead Russia’s ambassador in Ankara.

Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, shot Andrei Karlov as he gave a speech on Monday, apparently in protest at Russia’s involvement in Aleppo.

It was not clear if the gunman, an Ankara riot police member who was later shot dead, had links to any group.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the attack was aimed at hurting ties with Russia.

Mr Karlov was attending an embassy-sponsored photo exhibition called “Russia as seen by Turks” on Monday evening in Ankara.

He was several minutes into a speech when the gunman – who had been standing behind him as he spoke – fired about eight shots, according to eye witnesses.

The ambassador fell to the ground instantly, while the smartly dressed gunman, wearing a suit and tie, waved a pistol and shouted in Arabic and Turkish.

He yelled “don’t forget about Aleppo, don’t forget about Syria” and used the Arabic phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is great).

Karlov was rushed to hospital but his death was later confirmed.

The gunman was killed at the gallery after a 15 minute shoot-out with police.