Slovakia’s pro-Russian populist prime minister Robert Fico has been injured in a shooting and taken to hospital, the country’s president confirmed. 

According to the Dennik media outlet, Mr Fico was shot 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.  

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

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

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

More to follow