News / Russia

Man kills one in quarrel with business rival in Moscow

Wednesday, 27 December 2017 9:02 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 27 December 2017 11:22 AM ]

The file photo of a Russian police vehicle

An individual has shot a security guard during a quarrel with a business rival at a confectionery factory in Moscow, Russian authorities say.

The incident occurred at the Menshevik confectionery factory building in southeast Moscow on Wednesday, the Russian Interior Ministry said.

Investigators said the shooter, who was the former owner of the factory, argued with the new owner and then took out a shotgun and opened fire.

They said that the shooter had been holed up in the premises but was not precisely located.

Police have cordoned off the area and are trying to find the attacker.

Earlier reports said the man had taken several people hostage. Police denied those reports.

Citing police sources, the Russian Interfax news agency identified the gunman as Ilya Averyanov.

The Business FM radio station said it had been able to get in touch with the shooter, who had told the radio that he was defending himself against a “gang,” and that he will “fight 'til the end.”

“My plant was seized with the use of fake documents, they have ruined me,” he was quoted by the radio as saying. “I have a service weapon and used it in defense today. Unfortunately, I believe I shot one to death.”

According to reports, a bankruptcy case for the factory is due to be heard in Moscow in January.

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www.presstv.co.uk