In pictures: Russia siege, day two

1 of 7 The second day of the school siege brought relief for a few with the release of some babies, elderly women and mothers.

2 of 7 The tiny former hostages were whisked away from the school in Beslan, which remained surrounded by security forces.

3 of 7 Shots were heard at the school, where hundreds of children, parents and teachers are held hostage by the armed gang. The security forces say they did not fire.

4 of 7 Weary relatives can only wait and watch as the siege continues into a second night.

5 of 7 It is an agonising time for the relatives, who fear an assault by security forces could lead to the hostages' deaths.

6 of 7 Soldiers and armoured cars have been waiting in streets adjacent to the school, poised for further developments.

7 of 7 But for now, Moscow has ruled out using force to free the hostages - many of whom are schoolchildren.