Russian ambassador to Turkey assassinated

Russian ambassador shot dead in Andrey Karlov reported dead
Gunman shouted 'Aleppo,' 'revenge' and 'Allahu Akbar'
Attacker has been 'neutralised' - local media reports
Russia's ambassador to Ankara has been killed in a gun attack while visiting an art exhibition opening in the Turkish capital, television reports said.

Russia's state news agency said Andrey Karlov had died at the scene of gunshot wounds.

Earlier it was reported Mr Karlov had been hospitalised and several other people wounded, NTV and CNN-Turk televisions said.

The attacker has been 'neutralised,' according to Turkish media.

The attack came after days of protests in Turkey over Russia's role in Syria, although Moscow and Ankara are now working closely together to evacuate citizens from Aleppo.

Pictures published by the Hurriyet daily showed at least two men in suits lying flat on the ground as another man brandished a gun.

The attack happened at the Cagdas Sanatlar Merkezi, a major art exhibition hall in the Cankaya district of Ankara where most foreign embassies are located including Russia's mission.

Protesters in Turkey have held Russia responsible for human rights violations in Aleppo.