RUSSIA: Just after 9 p.m., with between 700 and 800 people enjoying the musical North East, at least 20, perhaps 50, armed Chechens, half reported to be women, take over the theatre. Some actors escape; everyone else is trapped
The rebels demand Russia withdraws from Chechnya or they will start killing hostages. Red Cross negotiators enter the theatre.
President Vladimir Putin brands the rebels criminal thugs - the same as the Bali killers
Heavily armed Special Forces surround the theatre. Inside, the terrorists allow some hostages to plead with the authorities not to storm the building, now wired with bombs. A website - kavkaz.org - explains rebel motives
