Briton among dead after militant attack on DusitD2 complex in Kenya kills at least 14 people

A Briton is among the dead in a militant attack on a luxury hotel in Nairobi that killed at least 14 people.

Gunmen stormed the DusitD2 complex in the Westlands district of the Kenyan capital on Tuesday afternoon, setting off explosions and shooting people.

Al-Shabab – the Somalia-based group that carried out the 2013 Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi that left 67 people dead – has claimed responsibility for the atrocity.

On Wednesday, Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta said 14 people were killed and said the operation to neutralise the attackers was over.

Mr Kenyatta did not say how many attackers were involved in the incident.

He urged Kenyans to “go back to work without fear,” saying the East African country is safe for citizens and visitors.

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In a video posted on Twitter, the UK High Commissioner to Kenya, Nic Hailey, confirmed that at least one British national was killed in the attack.

“Our team at the High Commission was working through the night to support the Kenyan authorities as they responded to this attack and offer all the help we can to all the British nationals who may have been caught up in it,” he said.

“I am very sad to confirm that at least one British national has been killed in the attack.

“We are providing our support to his family and friends at this very difficult time and our thoughts are with them.”

The US state department confirmed that an American citizen was also among those killed, but did not release the victim’s identity.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter: “Shocked by dreadful scenes in Nairobi – thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

“Brits in the area should remain vigilant and follow advice of local security authorities..”

The DusitD2 hotel complex, which includes bars, restaurants, offices and banks, is located in Nairobi’s well-to-do Westlands neighbourhood.

Special forces were sent into the hotel to flush out the gunmen, who were believed to be holed up inside the hotel.

The Kenya Red Cross said it was helping families searching for loved ones missing since the attack began.

Kenya’s Interior Ministry has said no further threat to the public exists.

The ministry said in a tweet: “Mopping up process still underway. No further threat to public exists.

“Civilians who had been secured in one building by security while mopping up continues now safely evacuated. All buildings and surrounding area secure.”

However, another explosion and gunfire were later heard at the hotel complex, despite authorities earlier saying that buildings and the surrounding area were secure.

The Associated Press reported the explosion and gunfire had been heard not long after a number of survivors were freed from the area.