Russian television journalist killed in Moscow

 
A journalist from Russia's state-owned television who reported on unrest in the Caucasus has been found murdered on Friday in central Moscow, Russian news agencies reported, citing officials.

"Ilyas Shurpayev was found dead in an apartment that he rented ... According to identity papers found on him, he is a correspondent with Channel One," ITAR-TASS news agency reported, quoting an investigator.

Investigators have opened a murder inquiry, the news agency reports said.

Shurpayev's body was found to have multiple knife wounds and he had a belt wrapped around his neck. A fire was started in an attempt to cover up the murder, the reports cited law enforcement sources as saying.

Kirill Klemeinov, a Channel One manager, confirmed Shurpayev's death to AFP, saying: "Unfortunately, it's a fact. Ilyas is no longer with us." He did not give further details.

Shurpayev was the author of numerous reports about the mostly Muslim North Caucasus mountain region in southern Russia, where there are frequent clashes between security forces and local rebels. (AFP)