Top Russian Caucasus judge killed

A top judge has been shot dead in the latest act of violence to shake the Russian republic of Ingushetia.

Aza Gazgireyeva was reportedly killed by gunmen as she dropped off her children at school. Five other people were injured, including a small child.

The death of Ms Gazgireyeva, the deputy chairwoman of Ingushetia's supreme court, came only 18 months after her predecessor was shot dead.

The region borders Chechnya and has seen fierce fighting in recent months.

Officials said nearly 50 people died in violence in Ingushetia between January and March.

The Russian government recently announced the official end of the war with separatist rebels in Chechnya, saying they had been defeated.

But violence in Ingushetia and Dagestan has spiralled.

Dagestan's interior minister was shot by a sniper last Friday.