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.

A man observes the remains of destroyed vehicles and buildings in the town of Mpeketoni

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

A woman observes the remains of the Breeze View Hotel, where residents watching the World Cup soccer tournament, were attacked and killed by militants, in the town of Mpeketoni,

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

A member of the Kenyan security forces walks past the body of one of those who were killed by militants

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

Residents look at slain slain bodies of people killed when unidentified gunmen attacked the coastal Kenyan town of Mpeketoni

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

Wreckages of burnt cars are seen outside Mpeketoni police station after unidentified gunmen attacked coastal Kenyan town of Mpeketoni

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

Residents observe the remains of roadside shops attacked by militants in the town of Mpeketoni,

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