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Kenya Garissa University shooting: Two killed after masked gunmen storm campus Kenya Garissa University shooting: At least 14 dead after suspected Al-Shabaab terrorists storm campus and take students hostage
(35 minutes later)
At least four people have been killed and after masked gunmen stormed a university in Kenya and began shooting indiscriminately. At least 14 people have been killed after masked gunmen stormed a university in Kenya and began firing shots indiscriminately.
Heavy gunfire was reported on Thursday morning at the Garissa University College near the Somalian border. Up to 49 people were also injured in an attack officials suspect was carried out by the al-Shabaab Islamist militant group.Heavy gunfire was reported on Thursday morning at the Garissa University College near the Somalian border. Up to 49 people were also injured in an attack officials suspect was carried out by the al-Shabaab Islamist militant group.
Two of the fatalities were guards at the university gates. A policeman at the scene said he has counted 14 bodies being carried out of the campus by a Red Cross Ambulance.
"They include two of our officers who were also killed," he told Reuters. "We are finding it difficult to access the compound because some of the attackers are on top of a building and are firing at us whenever we try to gain entry."
One student told the BBC: "They are just shooting randomly.
Students of the Garissa University College take shelter in a vehicle after fleeing from an attack by gunmen (AP) "My life was in danger, infact everybody's. They were shooting at us with live bullets, everywhere, all over the school compound.
"I am trying to call [students still trapped inside] but I can't reach anyone."
Kenya's National Police Service said armed militants shot at campus guards to gain entry, triggering a "fierce shootout". The attackers still managed to get inside one of the student hostels and some students remain trapped inside.Kenya's National Police Service said armed militants shot at campus guards to gain entry, triggering a "fierce shootout". The attackers still managed to get inside one of the student hostels and some students remain trapped inside.
Students of the Garissa University College take shelter in a vehicle after fleeing from an attack by gunmen (AP) Police fear the gunmen may have taken hostages, although the number being held is not known. Police and military forces say they are now trying to “flush out” gunmen from the campus. Police fear the gunmen may have taken hostages, although the number being held is not known. Police and military forces say they are now trying to “flush out” gunmen from the campus.
Two of the fatalities were guards at the university gates.
The US Embassy in Nairobi condemned the shooting as a "terrorist attack" on its official Twitter feed.The US Embassy in Nairobi condemned the shooting as a "terrorist attack" on its official Twitter feed.
We are saddened & angered by today’s terrorist attack @ #Garissa Univ. Our deepest condolences 2 family/friends of victims. #CowardsNeverWinWe are saddened & angered by today’s terrorist attack @ #Garissa Univ. Our deepest condolences 2 family/friends of victims. #CowardsNeverWin
One Red Cross official told the BBC the attack began at 5am local time when a grenade was launched at the university’s gates.One Red Cross official told the BBC the attack began at 5am local time when a grenade was launched at the university’s gates.
“The attackers went into the girl’s hostel which is when they took the hostel over," she said. "Forces responded and took over the operation and they have locked down the campus.“The attackers went into the girl’s hostel which is when they took the hostel over," she said. "Forces responded and took over the operation and they have locked down the campus.
“According to local county government officials on the ground, we have 30 casualties, who have been taken to hospital. Four of them are very serious and most of the casualties have gunshot injuries.” “According to local county government officials on the ground, we have 30 casualties, who have been taken to hospital. Four of them are very serious and most of the casualties have gunshot injuries.” 
Kenya Defence Forces soldiers move behind a thicket in Garissa town A policewoman at the scene told Reuters up to 49 people had been wounded in the attack, all with bullet and shrapnel wounds. Kenya Defence Forces soldiers move behind a thicket in Garissa town A policewoman at the scene said up to 49 people had been wounded in the attack, all with bullet and shrapnel wounds.
No-one has formally claimed responsibility for the shooting yet. Al-Shabaab has been responsible for a string of violent attacks in Kenya over recent years, which it claims are retribution for Kenya sending troops into Somalia. No-one has formally claimed responsibility for the shooting yet. Al-Shabaab has been responsible for a string of violent attacks in Kenya over recent years, which it claims are retribution for Kenya sending troops into Somalia. 
Additional reporting by agenciesAdditional reporting by agencies