In pictures: Kenya attack on Mpeketoni

Wreckages of burnt cars are seen along main road to Lamu from Mpeketoni after unidentified gunmen attacked coastal Kenyan town

At least 48 people have died after al-Shabab militants attacked hotels and a police station in a Kenyan coastal town, officials say.

Witnesses in Mpeketoni said gun battles went on for several hours and reported seeing buildings set on fire.

The town is on the mainland near Lamu island, a well-known tourist resort.

Kenya has suffered numerous militant attacks since 2011 when its forces entered neighbouring Somalia to combat Islamist militant group al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab said it carried out the attack in revenge for the presence of Kenyan troops in Somalia and the killing of Muslims.

Local residents told the BBC the gunmen hijacked a van and used it to attack various locations across Mpeketoni.

Witnesses said gunmen, who had their faces covered, threw explosives into the local police station before entering and stealing weapons.