A gunman burst into a cathedral on the Russian island of Sakhalin, opening fire on churchgoers, killing two people and wounding six others. The suspect was apprehended onsite.

The news of the attack was first circulated on the website of the local Diocese of Southern Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.

News of the attack was first circulated on the website of the diocese.

“Around 14:00, a gunman stormed into the main cathedral of the Diocese of Southern Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands (Cathedral of the Resurrection) and fired several shots,” it reads.

The nun, Lyudmila Pryashnikova, and the churchgoer, whose identity is still being worked out, died on the spot. The lives of the six people who were wounded are reportedly not endangered.

“The wounded have been taken to hospital, their wounds are to the legs, their lives are not in danger,”archbishop Tikhon said, adding that at 5pm local time (0300 GMT) there will be a service at the cathedral where the deceased will be commemorated.

An investigation is currently underway.

The attacker’s motives, who is said to be in his mid-twenties, are still unknown. Russia’s Investigative Committee added that the suspect worked as a guard at a private security agency. He will undergo a mental evaluation prior to the trial. The shooter will face up to 20 years behind bars if convicted.

The cathedral has a capacity of 450.

The part of the cathedral where blood was spilt will be consecrated.

• A Permanent Economic Emergency