Ex-Russian deputy Voronenkov shot dead in Kiev

Former Russian lawmaker Denis Voronenkov who fled to Ukraine last year has been shot dead outside a hotel in Kiev.

Denis Voronenkov and his bodyguard were attacked as they left the Premier Palace hotel in the centre of the city, reports said.

The bodyguard fired back at the attacker and both were wounded, according to local media.

Voronenkov was a controversial figure, who left Russia amid accusations of fraud, TASS reported.

Kiev police chief Andriy Kryshchenko told 112 Ukrayina TV that the attack was most likely a contract killing. Witnesses said they heard seven shots fired outside the hotel.

In recent months Voronenkov had given evidence to Kiev prosecutors in a high treason case against deposed Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.