At least seven people are believed to be dead after suspected Islamist fighters stormed a popular hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu.
Police have said a dozen people were wounded in the attack, while militants have trapped government officials inside, meaning the death toll is expected to rise.
The Al-Shabaab militants group has taken responsibility for the attack, with a spokesman saying that fighting is still ongoing inside the building.
A huge blast was heard near the gate of the hotel and gunmen were seen inside and on the roof of the building, Major Ismail Olow, a Mogadishu police officer at the scene, told Reuters.
“The hotel is now fully under the control of the militants,” he said.
“Al-Shabaab fighters are on the top of the building and inside the hotel. It is not easy for us to go in.”
A Reuters witness saw two destroyed cars at the gate and at least one dead body.
The Somali Islamist militant group Al Shabaab did not make any immediate comment but has regularly attacked hotels before.
