The Russian ambassador to Turkey was shot dead in an 'assassination' last night.

Andrei Karlov was killed by his police protection officer, who screamed “Allahu Akbar” and “Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria .”

He was shot in the back by the 22-year-old assailant, identified as Mevlut Mert Altintas, who was later gunned down by police colleagues.

Three others were injured in the attack, which occurred as Karlov was giving a speech at an art gallery in the Turkish capital, Ankara.

Horrific footage shows the ambassador wincing in pain as gunshots loudly ring out, before collapsing on to the floor as Altintas rants.

Aiming his gun at fleeing onlookers, Altintas says: "Only death will remove me from here. Everyone who has taken part in this oppression will one by one pay for it one by one.

"Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria. Unless our towns are secure, you won’t enjoy security. Everyone who is involved in this suffering will pay a price.”

Scroll down for live updates on the event from throughout yesterday and early today.