St Petersburg breakdown leaves thousands freezing

The Russian authorities say thousands of people have been left without heating in freezing temperatures in the northern city of St Petersburg, because a pipeline collapsed.

The Emergencies Ministry said the breakdown in the Frunzenskiy district affected one-hundred-and-fifty-six buildings, including kindergartens, schools and health clinics.

There were no details as to what caused the accident.

Repair work is under way. Forecasts put today's temperatures at between minus one and minus seven degrees.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service