15 gunmen hold hostages in Kenyan mall

Up to 15 gunmen remain inside a Kenyan shopping centre after a terrorist attack left dozens of people dead. Interior Minister Joseph Ole Lenku said at least 59 people were killed when attackers burst into the upmarket Westgate mall in the capital Nairobi armed with guns and grenades.

Sky News reports that 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.

More than 1,000 shoppers have so far been evacuated but an unknown number remain trapped inside.

Security forces took control of the upper and lower levels of the shopping centre, as well as the building's CCTV cameras, but an army spokesman told Sky News they were yet to secure the second floor where the terrorists are thought to be hiding.

Other reports suggested the gunmen were holed up in a toilet block next to a supermarket on the ground floor of the complex.

Witnesses reported hearing fierce gunfire and explosions on Sunday morning, as police and the military tried to reach the remaining hostages.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken to the nation in a televised address, saying 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."

Foreign Secretary William Hague said British nationals were caught up in the "callous and cowardly and brutal" attack on the mall, which is popular with expatriates and wealthy Kenyans.

Two Canadians have been confirmed dead in the attack, while two French citizens are understood to be among those killed.

The US State Department said American citizens have reportedly been injured but not killed.

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