Al Shabaab fighters have attacked a hotel in central Somalia which is used by African Union peacekeepers and Somali soldiers.

Witnesses described how the al-Qaeda linked extremists hurled grenades outside the gate of the Amalow Hotel in Bulobarde then went inside and started shooting.

The building is now surrounded by African Union (AMISOM) and Somali forces.

The number of casualties is not yet known.

An Al Shabaab spokesperson confirmed they had carried out the attack.