DHAKA: A gun battle inside a shopping centre in the Kenyan capital Nairobi has left at least 20 people dead.

The Kenyan Red Cross says, reports the BBC.

The gunmen attacked Westgate centre, one of the city’s most exclusive. Dozens of shoppers fled, several are still feared trapped inside.

Some reports suggested it was an attempted robbery, but officials say it might be a ‘terrorist’ attack.

Somali militant group al-Shabab had threatened to strike the centre.

They are opposed to Kenya sending troops to fight in Somalia.

No group has admitted responsibility.

Officers have now surrounded the building in an attempt to evacuate remaining shoppers.

A military helicopter has landed nearby.

Police told media that gunmen had taken at least seven people hostage.

Eyewitnesses say masked attackers threw grenades into the building at about midday local time (09:00 GMT).

Nairobi police chief Benson Kibue told media that the gunmen had been trying to rob a shop within the mall when the shooting began.

BDST: 2047 HRS, SEPT 21, 2013
RoR/RIS