BREAKING: Three people 'have throats slit' in attack on mosque in South Africa as police hunt attackers

Three people have been killed after apparently having their throats slit at a South African mosque which was also set on fire, reports claim.



Police are hunting three suspects, all believed to be Egyptian nationals, after the Imam Hussain Mosque was attacked in Ottawa, 15 miles north of Durban.



Emergency rescuers who were among the first on the scene told local media that two men were "bleeding profusely" after having their throats cut.



A South African radio has reported that three people have died and that the motive for the killing is not known.



A statement from Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said: "The suspects have fled in a white Hyundai Getz. Rusa is requesting the public to assist in apprehending these suspects.



"Paramedics or doctors who can assist can report to the scene."



The mosque, which is in the suburb of Ottawa, is also said to have been set alight in the attack.



Pictures from the scene show firefighters on the scene with smoke billowing from a door.



A man can also be seen receiving medical treatement.



Prem Balrem, from Rusa, told Times Live: "Upon arrival‚ Reaction Unit officers found that two victims had their throats slit and were bleeding profusely.



"Paramedics were called to the scene to attend to the critically injured men.



"Reaction Unit officers then noticed smoke emanating from the mosque and attempted to douse the flames.”



He added witnesses told police that three men attacked the mosque armed with guns and knives, it was reported.



Paramedic Paul Herbst said reports from people at the scene indicated the suspects "threw some sort of device or petrol bomb" into the mosque before fleeing the scene.