In pictures: Russia mourns theatre dead

As Russia observes a day of national mourning for those killed in last week's Moscow theatre siege, anger is growing over the tactics used to overpower Chechen rebels - particularly the use of a gas which ended up killing more than 100 hostages.

Thousands of stunned Muscovites have been laying flowers at the scene of the hostage crisis

Some flags displayed black ribbons while others were flown at half mast

Many gathered at the theatre in tears, while others attended memorial services at Orthodox churches

A woman crosses herself during a mourning prayer at one such service

The task of identifying the dead proved overwhelmingly distressing for relatives

Security remains tight amid fears of fresh attacks