Kenya Attack: Hostages Held In Terror Strike

Gunmen are holding hostages inside a Nairobi shopping centre where 39 people have been killed and more than 150 others wounded in a terrorist attack.

Several children were among those massacred by al Qaeda-linked terrorists armed with guns and grenades.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said British nationals have been caught up in the "callous and cowardly and brutal" attack at the Westgate shopping centre in Kenya's capital.

The Kenya National Disaster Operation Centre said an uncertain number of shoppers and staff are still being held by al Shabaab gunman inside the complex.

Hundreds of shoppers were caught up in the attack

Security officials say five hostages have been freed from the centre.

"Operations are continuing," a Kenyan security officer said at the scene.

"We will free all those inside and stop this. Of course we cannot give details of the operations except to say that everything that can be done is being done," the official added.

Gunmen wearing bullet-proof vests opened fire and detonated grenades inside the shopping centre, which is popular with expatriates and wealthy Kenyans.

Security staff rescued those unable to walk

Two Canadian citizens have been confirmed dead in the attack. It is understood that two French citizens are also among those killed.

The US State Department has confirmed that American citizens have been reported injured, but not killed.

Some of those killed were executed after failing to recite a Muslim prayer at gunpoint. Others were shot at the entrance to the mall as they tried to escape.

The Somalia-based al Shabaab terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack and warned of more attacks.

The Westgate shopping centre is located in the centre of Nairobi

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken to the nation in a televised address, saying that Kenya had "overcome terrorist attacks before, and we will defeat them again."

"Our security forces are in the process of neutralising the attackers and securing the mall," he added.

"Terrorism is a philosophy of cowards. They want to cause fear and despondency in our country, but we will not be cowed.

"I ask God to give you comfort. My government will provide the support needed in the days to come."

Armed security staff went from shop to shop looking for the attackers

Saadia Ahmed, a radio presenter from Nairobi caught up in the attack, told Sky News how the attack began.

"We heard three explosions outside the building then all of a sudden we heard gunshots and people ducked down," she said.

"A lot of people were shot while they were trying to escape. I saw one of the gunmen with an AK-47 and later two of them were talking and it sounded like Somali or Arabic."

Ms Ahmed said the attackers released people who were able to prove they were Muslim.

Police rescued hostages as they searched for the gunmen

"I witnessed a few people get up and say something in Arabic and the gunmen let them go. A colleague of mine said he was Muslim and recited something in Arabic and they let him go as well.

"I saw a lot of children and elderly people being shot dead. I don't understand why you would shoot a five-year-old child. They were firing at random at anyone who tried to escape."

Abbas Guled, a spokesman for the Kenyan Red Cross, said: "The casualties are many and that's only what we have on the outside.

"Inside there are even more casualties and shooting is still going on."

:: A helpline has been set up for people in the UK who are concerned about relatives in Kenya: 020 7008 000.

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