Explosion rips through apartment block in Nalchik

At least one person has been killed in an explosion at an apartment block in central Nalchik in Kabardino-Balkaria.

A subsequent search of the building by security personnel lead to discovery of what was described as a "homemande bomb". It is believed that the device may have exploded as it was being assembled.  Police also said an illegal radio station was discovered during the search.

In recent weeks Nalchik has been the scene of a number of separatist rebel attacks on security forces, some of which have resulted in the deaths of pro-Russian militiamen. In 2005 a massive surprise assault by rebel forces on the town left up to 130 Russian soldiers and around 50 rebels dead.