A synagogue and a church in Russia have been set on fire as a gunman goes on a rampage in the Dagestan region.

A police officer has been killed, according to local news sources who quoted the Interior Ministry as saying. At least one other person is understood to be injured.

Synagogue and church set on fire as gunman goes on rampageX

The synagogue and church are situated in Derbent, home to an ancient Jewish community in Russia's North Caucasus region of Dagestan.

Gunfire has also been reported in the Makhachkala region, around 130km away, according to TASS.

Footage shows men dressed in black shooting at law enforcement officers on the street.

As a result of the attack, a fire broke out at the synagogue.

The gunmen, who have since fled the scene, were said to be driving a white Volkswagen Polo.