Two police officers killed as 'IS' gunmen storm restaurant in Bangladesh

Gunmen have killed two policemen and taken hostages after attacking a restaurant which is popular with foreigners in the heart of Bangladesh's diplomatic district.

Police said the gunmen stormed the restaurant in Dhaka, the Bangladeshi capital, which is popular with diplomats and exchanged gunfire with security forces.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are urgently seeking more information from the Bangladeshi authorities following a shooting in Dhaka and are monitoring the situation closely."

Hospital authorities said another 25 officers and one civilian were being treated for injuries, including 10 people listed in critical condition. The injuries include bullet wounds and broken bones, they said.

The Islamic State's Amaq News Agency said the attack was carried out by "Islamic State commandos", according to the Site Intelligence Group which monitors jihadist activity. Bangladesh authorities did not immediately respond to the claim.

It is believed that as many as nine gunmen attacked the Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka's Gulshan area on Friday night.