More than 24 people were killed in a Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy on Sunday, the authorities said.

Two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the city at around 10.15am as people gathered to celebrate Palm Sunday, according to officials. Videos posted from the scene on official channels showed bodies on the ground amid debris and smoke around central Sumy.

“On this bright Palm Sunday, our community has suffered a terrible tragedy,” Acting Mayor Artem Kobzar said in a statement on social media.

At least 24 people were killed, including a child, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said in a statement. A further 84 people were injured, including seven children, it said.

At least one of the missiles was equipped with cluster munitions to maximise casualties, Andriy Yermak, top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said on Telegram.

Zelensky confirmed that rescue efforts were ongoing and said “dozens” had been killed in the double missile attack.

“According to preliminary information, dozens of civilians were killed and wounded. Only filthy scum can act like this – taking the lives of ordinary people,” he said.