Russia's ambassador to Sudan has been found dead in a swimming pool at his residence in the capital, Khartoum. Sudanese police said a preliminary investigation indicated Mirgayas Shirinsky had died of natural causes.


They say that the 63-year-old was found dead yesterday evening "in the swimming pool of his residence".

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said today that staff at the Khartoum embassy called an ambulance but Mr Shirinsky "could not be saved".

"The Russian envoy was found in his residence with evidence of an acute heart attack," she said.

"He dedicated his life to diplomacy. We express sincere condolences to his family and loved ones."

Although his death is not suspicious, Mr Shirinsky is the fourth Russian diplomat to die in service in the past year.

BBC