Carriage of carnage: Pictures emerge from inside train where a nail bomb killed 14 in St Petersburg metro attack as suspected Islamist bomber is revealed to be a 22-year-old from Kyrgyzstan

  • Russian Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, born in Kyrgyzstan, named by security services as suspected nail bomber
  • His home country has seen up to 500 join ISIS and the Boston Marathon bombers were also born there
  • The horrific blast occurred between Sennaya Ploshchad and Sadovaya train station in St Petersburg, Russia
  • Ambulances raced to the scene of the carnage caused by a nail bomb which was detonated on the network 
  • At least 14 people have been killed in yesterday's bomb blast and 50, including several children, were injured
  • Nobody has claimed responsibility, but previous attacks on Russia have been blamed on ISIS and Chechens 
  • Bearded man first identified on CCTV as suspect hands himself in claiming innocence and faces lie detector
  • City transport bosses have closed four stations this morning after an anonymous warning of another attack

These are the first images of the carnage inside the St Petersburg metro train blown up by a bomber named today as a Russian citizen from former Soviet state Kyrgyzstan.

At least 14 people were murdered and 50 injured in the blast and horrifying pictures show bodies, blood and wreckage strewn across the carriage of the train blown up between Sennaya Ploshchad and Sadovaya metro stations in Russia's second city.

Russian citizen Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, has been named by security services as the suspected attacked who also planted a second device hidden in a fire extinguisher that failed to explode.

It is unclear whether the attack was a suicide blast or whether the bomber got away. 

This morning, the city's transport bosses closed four stations, including Sennaya Ploschad, and called in emergency services following an anonymous call warning of another attack.

CCTV images of the suspect in Monday's bombing have been released, showing him in a red Parka jacket, wearing glasses and a dark green beanie hat and carrying a rucksack on his back through the Metro. 

Another CCTV image shows him walking along the street with both his fists clenched - potentially because he was clutching the trigger for his bomb. Police believe he has close links to radical Islamists.

Jalilov's home country of Kyrgyzstan, which borders Kazakhstan and China in central Asia, is predominately Muslim and has seen up to 500 citizens travel to Syria to join ISIS. Boston Marathon bombers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev were also born there. It was the last of the Soviet republics to declare independence in 1991.

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Shocking: The horrifying pictures show bodies, blood wreckage and debris strewn across the carriage of the train, which was hit by the blast while travelling between Sennaya Ploshchad and Sadovaya metro stations. 14 people were murdered

Shocking: The horrifying pictures show bodies, blood wreckage and debris strewn across the carriage of the train, which was hit by the blast while travelling between Sennaya Ploshchad and Sadovaya metro stations. 14 people were murdered

Horrific: The St Petersburg metro train was ripped apart after a nail bomb exploded inside yesterday - 50 were injured by the nail bomb

Horrific: The St Petersburg metro train was ripped apart after a nail bomb exploded inside yesterday - 50 were injured by the nail bomb

Russian citizen Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, has been named by security services as the suspected bomber who also planted a second device that failed to explode.  CCTV images of the suspect have been released and shows him in a red Parka jacket and carrying a rucksack
Russian citizen Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, who was born in Kyrgyzstan

Suspected bomber: Russian citizen Akbarzhon Jalilov, 22, left, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, has been named by security services as the suspected bomber who also planted a second device that failed to explode.  CCTV images of the suspect (right) have been released and shows him in a red Parka jacket and carrying a rucksack

This is an image of suicide bomber Akbarzhon Jalilov clenching his fist before boarding the train in St Petersburg

Another CCTV image shows the suspected bomber walking along the street with both his fists clenched - perhaps hiding a trigger

This is believed to be the bomber in a red Parka jacket, wearing glasses and a dark green beanie hat and carrying a rucksack on his back - surrounded by unsuspecting Metro users

This is believed to be the bomber in a red Parka jacket, wearing glasses and a dark green beanie hat and carrying a rucksack on his back - surrounded by unsuspecting Metro users

Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim nation of six million, is a close political ally of the Kremlin and even hosts a Russian military airbase. But this morning it emerged that Akbarzhon Jalilov, the man suspected of being behind the St Petersburg massacre, was born in the Central Asian country

Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim nation of six million, is a close political ally of the Kremlin and even hosts a Russian military airbase. But this morning it emerged that Akbarzhon Jalilov, the man suspected of being behind the St Petersburg massacre, was born in the Central Asian country

The death toll from the atrocity was raised to 14 this morning. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the explosion, but previous attacks on Russia have been blamed on ISIS and Chechens. 

Despite initially issuing search warrants for two suspected terrorists, authorities believe the suspected bomber was behind the attack and also have intelligence to suggest he planted a second explosive device - disguised as a fire extinguisher - which was found and defused at a nearby station.

Kyrgyzstan, where Jalilov is originally from, is a predominantly Muslim Central Asian nation of six million, is Russia's close political ally and hosts a Russian military airbase.  

Rakhat Sulaymanov, the spokesman for the country's secret service, said: 'It was established, that the suspect in this act of terror was born in our republic.'

He named him as Akbarjon Djalilov, who was born in 1995 and has 'probably 'acquired Russian nationality,' he said.

The Kazakhstan authorities also reported they are aiding Russian law enforcement.

A Russian Interior Ministry source told Life.ru: 'All regional departments of the Interior Ministry, FSB and Russian Guards have received pictures and descriptions for two alleged terrorists.Despite this, we do not exclude that it was a group.'

Security has been intensified around Russia, said reports. Thousands of policemen and FSB in civil clothes have been deployed in St Petersburg's shopping centres, railway stations, airports - and other areas with crowds of people, reported Life.ru. They have been issued with pictures of two suspected terrorists.

An FSB source said: 'Pictures of the terrorist were passed to border control and check points in the regions of Leningrad, Murmansk, Pskov, and the Republic of Karelia.'

These regions have borders with Finland, Norway, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

'Not only police squads but military units in all regional centres are on the highest alert,' said a police source.

'All regional police stations are ordered to work through every private house in their area.' 

Bloodied passengers were left strewn across the platform in the Russian city as emergency services scrambled to save those wounded by the bomb and the resulting shards of glass and twisted metal.  

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid flowers in tribute to the victims of the St Petersburg bomb attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin has laid flowers in tribute to the victims of the St Petersburg bomb attack

Last night it has emerged that this bearded man handed himself in after he was initially identified on CCTV as the main suspect. He faces a lie detector test
He was initially identified on CCTV as the main suspect. He faces a lie detector test

Last night it has emerged that this bearded man handed himself in after he was initially identified on CCTV as the main suspect. He faces a lie detector test

Several media outlets in Russia identified this man as the suspected terrorist who killed 14 people in St Petersburg - but it appears this was incorrect

Several media outlets in Russia identified this man as the suspected terrorist who killed 14 people in St Petersburg - but it appears this was incorrect

A man crawls away from the train as bloodied passengers attempt to save those injured in the subway in St Petersburg, Russia

A man crawls away from the train as bloodied passengers attempt to save those injured in the subway in St Petersburg, Russia

A woman crouches over a man who has been injured in the blast as they are surrounded by carnage and blood

A woman crouches over a man who has been injured in the blast as they are surrounded by carnage and blood

A man was seen on the ground on the platform after a bomb blast ripped through a metro carriage in the city of St Petersburg

A man was seen on the ground on the platform after a bomb blast ripped through a metro carriage in the city of St Petersburg

An injured passenger is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following an explosion in atrain carriage at a metro station in St. Petersburg

An injured passenger is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following an explosion in atrain carriage at a metro station in St. Petersburg

A woman with a bandaged head is carried on a rescue blanket away from the massacre at the metro in St Petersburg

A woman with a bandaged head is carried on a rescue blanket away from the massacre at the metro in St Petersburg

A second bomb, disguised as a fire extinguisher and packed with ball-bearings, was found and defused at a nearby station

A second bomb, disguised as a fire extinguisher and packed with ball-bearings, was found and defused at a nearby station

An injured person walks outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station with a blood-drenched coat and red hands

An injured person walks outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station with a blood-drenched coat and red hands

MOTHER KILLED IN ST PETERSBURG ATTACK DIED SAVING HER DAUGHTER

Victims of the bombing atrocity in St Petersburg were identified today as the Russian authorities put the death toll at 14 with 51 wounded.

Well-known doll-maker Irina Medyantseva, 50, was among those killed in the bloodbath after an explosion ripped apart a carriage on the underground railway.

She threw herself over her daughter Yelena, 29, and in doing so saved her life, according to reports today. Yelena underwent surgery last night and is now in intensive care.

Well-known doll-maker Irina Medyantseva (pictured), 50, was among those killed in the bloodbath after an explosion ripped apart a carriage on the underground railway in St Petersburg. She died saving her daughter

Well-known doll-maker Irina Medyantseva (pictured), 50, was among those killed in the bloodbath after an explosion ripped apart a carriage on the underground railway in St Petersburg. She died saving her daughter

Medyantseva threw herself over her daughter Yelena (right), 29, and in doing so saved her life, according to reports today
Medyantseva threw herself over her daughter Yelena (left), 29, and in doing so saved her life, according to reports today

Medyantseva threw herself over her daughter Yelena, 29, and in doing so saved her life, according to reports today. Yelena is pictured, left, with a black choker necklace and, right, with a red skirt

Also killed in the lethal shrapnel bomb in the city's metro was Dilbara Alieva (pictured), 20, from Azerbaijan, who died from injuries at hospital after the terror attack

Also killed in the lethal shrapnel bomb in the city's metro was Dilbara Alieva (pictured), 20, from Azerbaijan, who died from injuries at hospital after the terror attack

Also killed in the lethal shrapnel bomb in the city's metro was Dilbara Alieva, 20, from Azerbaijan, who died from injuries at hospital after the terror attack.

The head of one passenger, Maxim Arishev, 22, from Kazakhstan, was torn off in the explosion. Initially there were claims he was a suicide bomber but this was later discounted.

Arishev was a regular visitor to St Petersburg, and last year had visited with his girlfriend. Others killed in the horror were identified as Yury Nalimov, 71 and Kseniya Milyukova, 18. 

Maxim Arishev (pictured), 22, from Kazakhstan, was also killed in the explosion. Initially there were claims he was a suicide bomber but this was later discounted

Maxim Arishev (pictured), 22, from Kazakhstan, was also killed in the explosion. Initially there were claims he was a suicide bomber but this was later discounted

Arishev (left) was a regular visitor to St Petersburg, and last year had visited with his girlfriend (right)

Arishev (left) was a regular visitor to St Petersburg, and last year had visited with his girlfriend (right)

Also wounded was 15-year-old Alexandra Zyablitskaya from Barnaul in Siberia. She had been to the city on a sightseeing tour with her grandmother

Also wounded was 15-year-old Alexandra Zyablitskaya from Barnaul in Siberia. She had been to the city on a sightseeing tour with her grandmother

Psychologist Nadezhda Sosedova (pictured), 53, narrowly escaped death as she dozed in the bomb-hit metro carriage in St Petersburg

Psychologist Nadezhda Sosedova (pictured), 53, narrowly escaped death as she dozed in the bomb-hit metro carriage in St Petersburg

Also wounded was 15-year-old Alexandra Zyablitskaya from Barnaul in Siberia. She had been to the city on a sightseeing tour with her grandmother.

Psychologist Nadezhda Sosedova, 53, narrowly escaped death as she dozed in the bomb-hit metro carriage in St Petersburg.

'It happened so suddenly,' she said. 'I was sitting and snoozing. Suddenly something hit me on the head, there was a fire, my hair was burning, I managed to put it out.

'When we arrived at Technologichesky Institut station the doors were so crumpled that it was impossible to get out.

'Some young men pushed out the window and dragged me out. I was helped other passengers.

'I was talking to injured people, I am a psychologist, I was helping them to get to an ambulance.

'There were many contused people, all were scared, those who were closer to the epicentre of the explosion were all covered in blood of dead people. I was just the lucky one.' 

St Petersburg resident Leonid Chaika, who said he was at the station where the blast happened, said: 'I saw a lot of smoke, a crowd making its way to the escalators, people with blood and other people's insides on their clothes, bloody faces. Many were crying.'  

A woman who was near the explosion said: 'People were lying down, all black, scary, with a horrible smell of burned flesh.'

Another woman, named only as Polina, said: 'There was a deafening bang, then a strong smell and smoke.

'People were pressed against each other. Two women immediately fell unconscious. Everything happened on the move, the train didn't stop.' 

She said that when the train finally pulled into the station, she 'saw that the neighbouring carriage was mangled, windows were broken, there was no light and there was blood'. 

Yesterday several Russian media outlets released the CCTV pictures of a bearded suspect, who was wearing a long, black top and a hat, blamed for causing the carnage.

Last night, it emerged that the bearded man who was identified on CCTV as the main suspect, handed himself in to police and insists he is innocent. Detectives are putting the man through a lie detector test.

Meanwhile, a video has appeared online showing passengers on the metro jumping out of the windows of the train after the explosion.

A girl can be heard screaming 'mama' - Russian for mother - while people can be seen lying on the platform covered in blood. 

This morning, the Russian imperial capital was beginning the first of three days of mourning and Russian tricolour flags flew at half mast throughout the city to honour the dead.

Russia's Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova (centre front) travelled to the Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Medicine to visit victims of the attack, including this man

Russia's Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova (centre front) travelled to the Dzhanelidze Research Institute of Emergency Medicine to visit victims of the attack, including this man

More than 50 people were injured in the nail bomb attack in St Petersburg. Russia's Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova is pictured visiting one of the victims

More than 50 people were injured in the nail bomb attack in St Petersburg. Russia's Healthcare Minister Veronika Skvortsova is pictured visiting one of the victims

St Petersburg residents wait in a queue today at the Mariinskaya City Hospital to donate their blood for those injured in the explosion

St Petersburg residents wait in a queue today at the Mariinskaya City Hospital to donate their blood for those injured in the explosion

Grief: Mourners broke down in tears as they gathered at Sennaya Square station in St Petersburg this morning

Grief: Mourners broke down in tears as they gathered at Sennaya Square station in St Petersburg this morning

Dozens visited the scene of the attack this morning to leave flowers and candles. Russian President Vladimir Putin was pictured at the scene last night

Dozens visited the scene of the attack this morning to leave flowers and candles. Russian President Vladimir Putin was pictured at the scene last night

Russian police officers were seen on patrol at Prospekt Mira metro station this morning as security measures were heightened in the wak of Monday's attack

Russian police officers were seen on patrol at Prospekt Mira metro station this morning as security measures were heightened in the wak of Monday's attack

Alexander Kavernin (centre), the driver of the subway train involved in the attack, appeared in front of reporters looking tired but not visibly shaken by the events of the previous day. The 50-year-old who has worked on the subway for 14 years said he heard the sound of a blast while his train was running, called security and carried on to the station as the emergency instructions prescribe

Alexander Kavernin (centre), the driver of the subway train involved in the attack, appeared in front of reporters looking tired but not visibly shaken by the events of the previous day. The 50-year-old who has worked on the subway for 14 years said he heard the sound of a blast while his train was running, called security and carried on to the station as the emergency instructions prescribe

Flowers and candles piled up at an impromptu memorial outside the metro station hit by the attack as authorities beefed up security on the city's busy underground transport system.

Commuters began their daily trip to work under an anxious cloud after Monday's bombing that closed down the entire metro system that is seen as the lifeblood of the city. 

Today, the driver of the subway train involved in the attack appeared in front of reporters looking tired but not visibly shaken by the events of the previous day.

Alexander Kavernin, 50, who has worked on the subway for 14 years said he heard the sound of a blast while his train was running, called security and carried on to the station as the emergency instructions prescribe.

'I had no time to think about fear at that moment,' he said.

The decision to keep moving was praised by authorities as aiding evacuation efforts and reducing the danger to passengers who would have had to walk along the electrified tracks. 

Vladimir Putin was in his hometown of St Petersburg for talks when the blast happened. 

The Kremlin leader, who wanted to visit the scene in the aftermath of the attack but was held back by security services, said: 'I have already spoken to the head of our special services, they are working to ascertain the cause of the blasts. The causes are not clear, it's too early. We will look at all possible causes, terrorism as well as common crime.' 

He was pictured last night laying flowers outside Tekhnologicheskiy Institut metro station in St Petersburg.

A video appeared online showing passengers on the metro jumping out of the windows of the train after the explosion

A girl can be heard screaming 'mama' - Russian for mother - while people can be seen lying on the platform covered in blood

Russian president Vladimir Putin puts flowers down outside Tekhnologicheskiy Institut metro station in St Petersburg

Russian president Vladimir Putin puts flowers down outside Tekhnologicheskiy Institut metro station in St Petersburg

Russian President Vladimir Putin was back in his hometown of St Petersburg yesterday to meet with the president of Belarus

Russian President Vladimir Putin was back in his hometown of St Petersburg yesterday to meet with the president of Belarus

Smoke fills the air at the platform of the metro station after a nail bomb was detonated in St Petersburg on Monday afternoon

Smoke fills the air at the platform of the metro station after a nail bomb was detonated in St Petersburg on Monday afternoon

Firefighters, emergency service vehicles and a helicopter near Tekhnologichesky Institut station of the St Petersburg metro in the aftermath of an explosion which occurred in a train at 2.40pm Moscow time

Firefighters, emergency service vehicles and a helicopter near Tekhnologichesky Institut station of the St Petersburg metro in the aftermath of an explosion which occurred in a train at 2.40pm Moscow time

Passengers disembark after a huge blast involving a nail bomb killed at least 14 people in St Petersburg, Russia

Passengers disembark after a huge blast involving a nail bomb killed at least 14 people in St Petersburg, Russia

Emergency services raced to the station as passengers flooded out from the platforms. More than 50 were injured in the blast

Emergency services raced to the station as passengers flooded out from the platforms. More than 50 were injured in the blast

A picture on Twitter claiming to show a man being treated at the scene as blood pours from his head and onto his shirt

A picture on Twitter claiming to show a man being treated at the scene as blood pours from his head and onto his shirt

An explosion on the metro in St Petersburg has ripped through a train carriage causing carnage as the door is completely blown out 

An explosion on the metro in St Petersburg has ripped through a train carriage causing carnage as the door is completely blown out 

US President Donald Trump described the deadly bomb blast as an 'absolutely terrible thing' that is 'happening all over the world' before a working lunch with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but Russian trains and planes have been targeted repeatedly by Islamic militants. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied earlier speculation that President Putin was due to pass by the Sennaya Metro station around the time of the blast. 

A witnesses told Russia's Life News: 'People were bleeding, their hair burned. We were told to move to the exit, because the movement stopped. People just fled. 

'My girlfriend was in the next car that exploded. She said that he began to shake. When she came out, she saw that people were mutilated.'

A male eyewitness said: 'It's just like a war here. Every special service is here, the FSB, police, and multiple - really a lot of them - ambulances.

'I don't think I've ever seen to many paramedics in my life. Something completely horrible is happening here.' 

Eight bodies were recovered from the carriage while two more were found on the platform or were in the tunnel.

PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN PROMISES JUSTICE AFTER BOMB ATTACK WHILE HE WAS IN HOME CITY

Vladimir Putin is in his hometown of St Petersburg today for talks with the president of Belarus and confirmed 'there are dead and injured', offering his condolences to the families of those killed. 

He also vowed that the attackers will be brought to justice and has spoken to his chief of special services. 

Mr Putin said: 'I would like to express the words of sincerest condolences to relatives of the killed and wounded. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin giving statement alongside Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, after the  St Petersburg attack

Russian President Vladimir Putin giving statement alongside Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, after the  St Petersburg attack

'I have already spoken with the chiefs of special services, FSB director, law enforcement bodies and special services are working. We will do everything to identify the reasons for what happened.

'We will give a full evaluation of what happened, and city and federal authorities will do everything possible to support families of our killed and injured citizens.' 

Earlier reports indicated a backpack had been thrown onto the train and witnesses also suggested there had been multiple explosions, but officials confirmed just the one blast.

Russian security agencies did find an explosive device at a different metro station in central St Petersburg and made it safe, the National Anti-Terrorist Committee said in a statement.

The device was found at the Ploshchad Vosstaniya metro station, a different location from where a blast earlier took place. 

Other witnesses also described a man leaving a briefcase on one carriage before moving to another just seconds before the huge explosion. 

As reports of the suspected terror attack trickled through to the capital, Moscow heightened its security and local reports suggest three metro stations - Nagatinskaja, Savelovskaya and Ugrezhskaya (CIP) - were cordoned off due to suspicious packages. 

KYRGYZSTAN: A HOTBED OF ISLAMIST TERROR, HOME TO BOSTON BOMBERS AND RETURNING ISIS FIGHTERS

Kyrgyzstan, a predominantly Muslim nation of six million, is a close political ally of the Kremlin and even hosts a Russian military airbase.

But this morning it emerged that Akbarzhon Jalilov, the man suspected of being behind the St Petersburg massacre, was born in the Central Asian country.

Previously, terror attacks on Russia have been blamed on Chechen rebels and, more recently, ISIS fanatics.

But up to 500 jihadists from Kyrgyzstan, which borders China, thousands of miles south east of St Petersburg, are believed to have travelled to Syria and Iraq to fight for ISIS.  

At least 7,000 nationals from former Soviet countries, including 2,900 Russians, have been recruited by Islamists in the terror group's so-called caliphate, according to Russia's FSB intelligence service - and there are fears some are now returning with the intention of carrying out attacks.

It is not the first time Kyrgyzstan nationals have been linked to terror attacks. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who was born in Kyrgyzstan, was convicted of planting bombs at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, together with his brother Tamerlan Tsarnaev. 

In 2015, ISIS fanatics said they were responsible for bombing a Russian MetroJet plane flying from Egypt to St Petersburg killing all 217 on board 

In 2015, ISIS fanatics said they were responsible for bombing a Russian MetroJet plane flying from Egypt to St Petersburg killing all 217 on board 

St. Petersburg, like Moscow, is home to a large diaspora of Central Asian migrants who flee poverty and unemployment in their home countries for jobs in Russia. While most Central Asian migrants in Russia have work permits or work illegally, thousands of them have received Russian citizenship in the past decades.

Russian authorities have rejected calls to impose visas on Central Asian nationals, hinting that having millions of jobless men across the border from Russia would be a bigger security threat.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday investigators are examining all causes for the blast in St Petersburg yesterday including terrorism.

And while no-one has yet come forward to claim responsibility, the country's security services have previously said they had foiled 'terrorist attacks' on Moscow's public transport system by militants.

An attack on St Petersburg, Russia's old imperial capital, would have some symbolic force for any militant group, especially ISIS or Chechen secessionist rebels.

ISIS, which has drawn recruits from the ranks of Chechen rebels, has also threatened attacks across Russia in retaliation for the Kremlin's military intervention in war-torn Syria. Russia has been on particular alert against radicalised Chechen militants returning from the battlefield in Syria - and wary of any attempts to resume attacks that dogged the country several years ago.

Just days ago, the Kremlin said authorities had detained one of the attackers who carried out a deadly strike on a military base in Chechnya, in which six soldiers and six rebels died.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the March 24 attack, which targeted a base of Russia's National Guard, a new branch of troops which answers directly to Putin and is tasked with defending borders and counter extremism.

Over 330 people, half of them children, were killed in 2004 when police stormed a school in Beslan, southern Russia after a hostage taking by Islamist militants

Over 330 people, half of them children, were killed in 2004 when police stormed a school in Beslan, southern Russia after a hostage taking by Islamist militants

It came two years after ISIS fanatics said they were responsible for bombing a Russian MetroJet plane flying from Egypt to St Petersburg killing all 217 on board. 

In 2013, the southern city of Volgograd was hit by twin suicide strikes that claimed 34 lives and raised alarm over security at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. A bombing at the main railway station killed 18 people on while a second strike hit a trolleybus and claimed 16 lives.

Days later a statement and video claiming responsibility for the bombings was posted on the website of Vilayat Dagestan, a subgroup of the militant jihadist group Caucasus Emirate.

A suicide raid on Moscow's Domodedovo airport that was claimed by Islamic insurgents from the North Caucasus killed 37 people in January 2011. That strike was claimed by the Caucasus Emirate movement of Islamist warlord Doku Umarov.

The same airport in August 2004 saw Islamic suicide bombers board two planes and bring them down, killing a total of 90 people. 

A suicide raid on Moscow's Domodedovo airport that was claimed by Islamic insurgents from the North Caucasus killed 37 people in January 2011. That strike was claimed by the Caucasus Emirate movement of Islamist warlord Doku Umarov (pictured)

A suicide raid on Moscow's Domodedovo airport that was claimed by Islamic insurgents from the North Caucasus killed 37 people in January 2011. That strike was claimed by the Caucasus Emirate movement of Islamist warlord Doku Umarov (pictured)

In March 2010, two suicide bombings in the Moscow subway killed 40 people and wounded more than 100 people. Umarov claimed responsibility for that attack by two female suicide bombers, warning Russian leaders that 'the war is coming to their cities.'

The high-speed Moscow-to-St. Petersburg train was also bombed on November 27, 2009, in an attack that left 26 dead and some 100 injured. Umarov's group also said he ordered this attack. A previous attempt on the rail line in 2007 caused more than two dozen injuries but no deaths.

In October 2005: Islamic militants launch a series of attacks on police in Nalchik, capital of the tense Kabardino-Balkariya republic near Chechnya. Chechen rebels claimed credit for the attack, in which 139 people were killed, including 94 militants. 

A year earlier, in September 2004, about 30 Chechen militants seized a school in the southern town of Beslan and took hundreds of hostages - a siege that ended in a bloodbath two days later. More than 330 people, about half of them children, were killed.  

A month earlier, a suicide bomber blew herself up outside a Moscow subway station, killing 10 people. It followed an attack in the capital during rush hour in February in which a suicide bomber struck a subway car, killing 41 people and injuring more than 100.

In October, 2002, Chechen militants took 800 people hostage at a Moscow theatre. Two days later, Russian special forces stormed the building and 129 hostages and 41 Chechen fighters were killed, mostly from the effects of narcotic gas Russian forces used to subdue the attackers

In October, 2002, Chechen militants took 800 people hostage at a Moscow theatre. Two days later, Russian special forces stormed the building and 129 hostages and 41 Chechen fighters were killed, mostly from the effects of narcotic gas Russian forces used to subdue the attackers

In December 2003 another suicide bombing on a commuter train in southern Russia killed 44 people, two days before the Russian parliamentary elections.

A year earlier, in October, 2002, Chechen militants took 800 people hostage at a Moscow theatre. Two days later, Russian special forces stormed the building and 129 hostages and 41 Chechen fighters were killed, mostly from the effects of narcotic gas Russian forces used to subdue the attackers.

In August 1999, four apartment building bombings killed about 300 people in Moscow and two other Russian cities. The Kremlin named the attacks as a key reason for sending troops back into Chechnya the following month. 

Chechnya was the scene of two separatist wars in the 1990s and early 2000s, but violence in the region has largely been suppressed under the iron-fisted rule of strongman leader Ramzan Kadyrov. 

Putin, as prime minister, launched a 1999 campaign to crush a separatist government in the Muslim southern region of Chechnya, and as president continued a hard line in suppressing rebellion.

 Commuters walk away from the carnage as smoke fills the station in St Petersburg, Russia on Monday afternoon

 Commuters walk away from the carnage as smoke fills the station in St Petersburg, Russia on Monday afternoon

Smoke fills the station at the metro station in Russia after a nail bomb was set off killing at least 14 and injuring 50

Smoke fills the station at the metro station in Russia after a nail bomb was set off killing at least 14 and injuring 50

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Russian Civic Chamber Secretary Alexander Brechalov attend the 4th Truth and Justice Independent Regional and Local Media Forum held by the All-Russian People's Front

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (L) and Russian Civic Chamber Secretary Alexander Brechalov attend the 4th Truth and Justice Independent Regional and Local Media Forum held by the All-Russian People's Front

The Life News website showed pictures of blown-out train doors and several injured people on the station platform. 

Polina, who was in the carriage next to the where explosion erupted, said: 'There was quite a lot of people in the carriage: everyone was sitting, some were standing.

ISIS CELEBRATE BLAST 

ISIS supporters have celebrated the explosions in St Petersburg saying it was revenge for Syrian air strikes.

An ISIS supporter from the al-Minbar online forum said: 'We ask Allah to bless the operation by the lions of the Caliphate, we ask Allah to kill the Crusaders.'

Others, according to Vocativ, said it was 'a metro to hell for the worshippers of the cross'.

Russia has killed hundreds in air strikes against the terror group in the Middle East.   

'The explosion occurred between Sennaya and Technological Institute stations.

'There was a deafening boom, and then a strong odour and smoke.

'We immediately went to another end of the car. It was very crowded.

'Everything was happening on the move, the train didn't stop. At Technological Institute everyone got off.'

'We saw that the next car was torn apart, windows were broken, no lights, blood. People were dragged out of it, some were carried, some were walking with support. 

'There was a lot of injured. I don't know if there were dead, we left in about two minutes.' 

A subway worker who asked not to be named told local press: 'The second carriage exploded.  

Anna, who was at the station at the moment of explosion: 'People were lying down, all black, scary, with a horrible smell of burned flesh.' 

Another eyewitness said: 'Everyone was ready for death in the metro carriage.

'After the explosion everyone was waiting for the consequences. Then we were taken out, people started helping each other, walking others out, most of them were in blood.' 

St Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city with more than five million residents, is the country’s most popular tourist destination.

The Foreign Office currently warns of ‘a high threat from terrorism’ in Russia, and says ‘further attacks are likely’. Russia has a history of attacks on public transport. In 2013, two bomb blasts in two days in the south-western city of Volgograd left more than 30 people dead and 62 needing hospital treatment.

Three years earlier, at least 38 people died in a double suicide bombing on the Moscow metro. And in 2009, a bomb exploded on a high-speed train between Moscow and St Petersburg, killing 27 and injuring another 130.

All the attacks were claimed by Islamist groups.

An injured commuter is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following an explosion on a train carriage at a St Petersburg metro station

An injured commuter is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station, following an explosion on a train carriage at a St Petersburg metro station

Men carry one of the injured 50 on a stretcher outside Technological Institute metro station in Saint Petersburg

Men carry one of the injured 50 on a stretcher outside Technological Institute metro station in Saint Petersburg

A man with blood splattered all over his face walks away from the scene that killed at least 14 people and injured 50 more

A man with blood splattered all over his face walks away from the scene that killed at least 14 people and injured 50 more

Dozens of ambulances and fire engines were called to the scene as the scale of the attack became clear on Monday afternoon

Dozens of ambulances and fire engines were called to the scene as the scale of the attack became clear on Monday afternoon

A woman and firefighters at the entrance to Sennaya Ploshchad station of the St Petersburg metro in the aftermath of the blast

A woman and firefighters at the entrance to Sennaya Ploshchad station of the St Petersburg metro in the aftermath of the blast

An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station after the suspected terror attack

An injured person is helped by emergency services outside Sennaya Ploshchad metro station after the suspected terror attack

The aftermath of the blast can be seen here with the doors of the St Petersburg metro train twisted into a mangled wreck

Medics help an injured woman outside Technological Institute metro station in Saint Petersburg on Monday afternoon

Medics help an injured woman outside Technological Institute metro station in Saint Petersburg on Monday afternoon

Bodies lie strewn across the platform and the doors are blown open after the blast on the Russian metro network

Bodies lie strewn across the platform and the doors are blown open after the blast on the Russian metro network

Three men walk away from the train in a smoke-filled subway station after a huge blast from a suspected nail bomb

Three men walk away from the train in a smoke-filled subway station after a huge blast from a suspected nail bomb

Firefighters line the streets of St Petersburg in the immediate aftermath of the blast that has claimed at least 14 lives

Firefighters line the streets of St Petersburg in the immediate aftermath of the blast that has claimed at least 14 lives

Emergency vehicles and a helicopter flocked to the entrance to Technological Institute metro station in St Petersburg

Emergency vehicles and a helicopter flocked to the entrance to Technological Institute metro station in St Petersburg

Police officers guard the area at the entrance to Technological Institute metro station in St Petersburg

Police officers guard the area at the entrance to Technological Institute metro station in St Petersburg

Emergency service workers and ambulance workers at the entrance to Tekhnologichesky Institut station in St Petersburg

Emergency service workers and ambulance workers at the entrance to Tekhnologichesky Institut station in St Petersburg

ST PETERSBURG GOVERNOR GEORGY POLTAVCHENKO

Dear St Petersburg.

Today, in our city there was a terrible tragedy. As a result of the explosion in the subway people died. Many of the passengers were injured.

I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families and relatives. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured.

Law enforcement authorities and all city services are doing everything necessary, which should be done in an emergency. Medical services provide all necessary assistance to the victims.

In this difficult time we all need to support those who lost their loved ones. I ask all of Petersburgers and guests of our city to be vigilant, attentive and careful, with all the responsibility to treat what is happening.

Saint-Petersburg Government will provide all necessary assistance to the families of those killed and injured.

Flowers and candles in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims at Tekhnologichesky Institut station

Flowers and candles in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims at Tekhnologichesky Institut station

Spartak Moscow's fans hold a banner in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims at their league match last night

Spartak Moscow's fans hold a banner in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims at their league match last night

People lighting candles at the Leningrad Hero City memorial by the Kremlin Wall in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims

People lighting candles at the Leningrad Hero City memorial by the Kremlin Wall in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims

A man laying flowers at the Leningrad Hero City memorial by the Kremlin Wall in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims

A man laying flowers at the Leningrad Hero City memorial by the Kremlin Wall in memory of the St Petersburg metro explosion victims

A woman lights a candle at an entrance to Sennaya metro station in St Petersburg, just hours after the explosion on the train

A woman lights a candle at an entrance to Sennaya metro station in St Petersburg, just hours after the explosion on the train

The Mayor of Tel-Aviv in Israel lit up the the City Hall in the colours of the Russian flag as a mark of solidarity after the attack

The Mayor of Tel-Aviv in Israel lit up the the City Hall in the colours of the Russian flag as a mark of solidarity after the attack

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