Kenya: 'Islamists' massacre dozens

[Anthea]

BBC News Africa

Kenya attack: 'Islamists' raid Mpeketoni near Lamu

At least 48 people have died after suspected Islamist militants attacked hotels and a police station in a Kenyan coastal town, officials say.

Witnesses in Mpeketoni said gun battles went on for several hours and reported seeing buildings set on fire.

The town is close to Lamu island, which is a well-known tourist resort.

Kenya has suffered a number of militant attacks since 2011 when its forces entered neighbouring Somalia to combat al-Shabab fighters.

The BBC's Yusuf Dayo in Nairobi said the attack started at 20:30 local time (17:30 GMT) on Sunday as locals were watching a football World Cup match on television.

Local residents told the BBC that the attackers had hijacked a van and used it to attack various locations across the town.

Witnesses said gunmen, who had their faces covered, threw explosives into the local police station before entering and stealing weapons.

Full Article & Video:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-27862510