Armed men are attacking a hotel in central Mogadishu following a car bombing at the entrance, according to witesses and Somali police who say the Shebab jihadist group claims responsibility.

"There's an attack under way in a hotel," police officer Mohamed Adan told AFP, adding a "car bomb" exploded at the entrance and "armed men have raided the building."

Adan added: "There is an exchange of fire."

str-md/lc/har