Ambulance workers in the Somali capital Mogadishu have given the death toll as 28 at a hotel following a bomb attack by militants.

They said 43 others, including seven journalists, were injured after bombs exploded at the Dayah hotel.

Somali security minister Abdirizak Omar Mohamed earlier said four attackers had been killed by security forces.

The Islamist militant group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers used a vehicle laden with explosives to blast their way into the hotel, where members of parliament were believed to be staying.

Shortly after the first blast, another vehicle exploded, killing and wounding more people who had gathered in the area.

Survivors described how hotel residents hid under beds and others jumped out of windows to escape from the attackers.

Police officer Colonel Abdiqadir Hussein said that security forces had later managed to secure the building.

“We have rescued the people and concluded the operation at Dayah hotel,” he said.

“The security forces are now inside the hotel.”

The hotel is located less than a mile from Somalia’s presidential palace and is popular with dignitaries.

The attack comes at a time when the country is preparing for indirect elections where MPs are set to choose a president.