Updated 4.10pm

A GUNMAN WHO attacked the Estonian ministry of defence in downtown Tallinn, is now dead, according to Estonian police.

There were local reports that a hostage may have been taken.

Spokesman Peeter Kuimet told AP that there had been an “incident involving guns” inside the ministry and that police at the scene.

Martin Jasko, a government spokesman, said all employees have evacuated the building and police have cordoned off the surrounding area.

The Postimees, a leading daily paper in Estonia, reported on its website that the shooter may have taken a hostage inside the ministry.

A reporter for the Delfi news wesbite said from the scene that there had been shots approximately 20 minutes apart and that two people jumped through a window and ran away after the second shot.

Hannes Kont, the director of press at Defense Ministry, told AP that the minister, Mart Laar, was not in the building when the shooting started.

- Additional reporting by Emer McLysaght

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More

Gunman dead after attack at Estonian defence ministry - reports

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.