Russia World Cup hotel in Rostov evacuated as police and emergency services swarm

A HOTEL in a World Cup host city has been evacuated as part of a drill.

Russian police vehicles and ambulances surrounded the Topos Congress-Hotel in Rostov-on-Don earlier this evening.

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Police in the World Cup host city said they had evacuated 16 venues, including hotels and restaurants during the exercise

The Topos Congress-Hotel is listed as an official World Cup hotel by FIFA, but no competing teams are staying there, according to a FIFA document.

A witness had earlier said they were told by police that the hotel had been evacuated due to a bomb threat.

At least one fire truck was outside the hotel, the witness said, and police were seen questioning staff and guests on the street.

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Authorities have vowed to host a safe event and any security incidents involving fans could jeopardise Russia's efforts.

The southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don has so far hosted four matches in the World Cup, including Croatia's 2-1 win over Iceland earlier today.

The next scheduled match at the venue is on July 2.