Around 2,000 residents were evacuated from the town of Irpin in Ukraine today (March 7) - a day after Russian mortars killed civilians who were fleeing the invasion.

Exclusive footage showed Ukrainian soldiers helping women, children, the elderly and the injured across a severely damaged bridge over the Irpin River.

Ukrainian forces blew up the crossing themselves to slow Russia's advance.

On Sunday, as civilians gathered to cross the same section of the river, Russian forces fired mortars that sent evacuees running for cover.

At least four people, members of one family, were killed - their bodies left sprawled on the pavement.

Margarita, who did not give her last name, was one of those fleeing the embattled city today. She had an emotional appeal to Russian soldiers and their families.

"We simply ask their soldiers - let civilians get out of here calmly, so they can return to their mothers, children, grandchildren," she said.

"Let them hug them, meet them. It'll be Easter soon," she added.

"Mothers of Russian soldiers - look at us. We don't blame you for anything. Don't you want to hug your own children, daughters, grandchildren?" she asked.

Footage captured today showed widespread destruction of the city which lies on the outskirts of the capital.

"All houses are destroyed," said Vitaly, one of those fleeing.

"Yesterday they aimed at the post office. Two shells near the post office," he said.

Russian forces have for days been attacking three towns on the outskirts of Kyiv: Hostomel, Bucha and Irpin.

The onslaught has driven evacuees towards the capital.

IRPIN