Slovakia PM shooting latest: Robert Fico in life-threatening condition – live updates

Robert Fico, Slovakia’s pro-Russian prime minister, is in a “life-threatening” condition after being shot, the government has said.

According to the Dennik media outlet, Mr Fico was shot in an assassination attempt outside the House of Culture where a government meeting was being held.

Mr Fico was speaking to people outside the building when several shots were fired, causing him to fall to the ground, according to reports.

Four shots were fired and one struck Mr Fico, the state broadcaster said.

Mr Fico was taken to the hospital by helicopter and is in a serious condition and is awaiting surgery after sustaining a bullet wound to the hand and abdomen.

The suspected assassin was overpowered and is being detained by police, who cordoned off the area.

Zuzana Čaputová, Slovakia’s president, issued a statement condemning the “brutal” attack and wished the prime minister a full recovery.

A Reuters witness said he heard several shots and that he saw a man being detained by police.

Follow the latest updates below