BREAKING : Terrorist attack a Tourist hotel in Mogadishu, Somalia. Shots and explosions head for miles

Al-Shabab gunmen have taken hostages in a hotel in the Somali capital Mogadishu in an attack that has left at least seven dead, health workers say.

The Somali army is attempting to retake the Naso-Hablod hotel after militants detonated a car bomb and stormed it, police said.

Reports said the victims included three security guards.

Al-Shabab militants frequently carry out attacks in the city in their bid to topple the Western-backed government.

The group said it targeted the hotel which was "frequented by the apostate government members", Reuters news agency reported.

The Naso-Hablod, in southern Mogadishu, is often used by politicians and tourists.