An axe-wielding man has reportedly taken six children hostage in Saint Petersburg, threatening to kill them. The incident is believed to have been triggered by a domestic quarrel, with his wife.

The person barricaded himself within an apartment, taking six kids, aged between 3 and 15 years, hostage. According to the existing information, the suspect is the father of at least 3 of the imprisoned children.

The hostage-taker has not made any demands. Police psychologists and negotiators have been dispatched to the scene.