Brit Feared Dead In Marrakesh Bomb Attack

The blast ripped through the first floor of the Argana restaurant overlooking the Moroccan city's famed Jamaa el Fnaa square.

Morocco's interior minister Taib Chergaoui said at least 11 foreigners and three Moroccans were killed in the explosion, with 23 people wounded.

At least eight French citizens were being treated at Marrakech's main Tofail Hospital, along with one Canadian, a British citizen and three Moroccans, emergency room chief Hicham Nejmi said.

Others were being treated at a military hospital and at private clinics.

The Foreign Office is investigating the unconfirmed death of a British man in the blast, with a consular team in Marrakesh and the British ambassador to Morocco are liaising with local officials.

Morocco's Communications Minister Khalid Naciri described the incident as "a terrorist act".

"There was a huge bang, and lots of smoke went up. There was debris raining down from the sky," Andy Birnie, who lives in north London, said.

Debris was strewn over a wide area, with the restaurant's terrace and roof partially destroyed but no group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said he was "shocked and saddened" by the bombing.

"I offer my condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured in the explosion," Mr Hague said.

"Initial reports that this may have been a result of terrorism are deeply worrying. All acts of terrorism are utterly reprehensible.

"British officials are in contact with the Moroccan authorities to establish the facts and to provide consular support to any British nationals who may have been caught up in the blast," Mr Hague said.

Islamic militants' last major attack was a series of suicide bombings in Morocco's commercial capital, Casablanca, in 2003 in which more than 45 people were killed.

Morocco and locations such as Marrakesh are heavily reliant on tourism to support the country's fragile economy.

Police and plain clothes security officials normally patrol the tourist magnet of Jamaa el Fnaa square, which is busy during the day and at night.

"I heard a massive blast. The ground and first floors of the building were destroyed," said one local woman, who did not want to be identified.

"Some witnesses said they have seen a man carrying a bag entering the cafe before the blast occurred."

:: A Foreign Office helpline has been set up for anyone concerned about family or friends who may have been caught up in the incident, and can be reached on 020 7008 5355.