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| Terror attacks: Tunisia hotel confirms 'majority of guests from UK or central Europe' | Terror attacks: Tunisia hotel confirms 'majority of guests from UK or central Europe' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 7.37pm BST19:37 | |
| Meanwhile, travel companies in the UK have offered tourists the chance to change their holiday bookings to Tunisia: | |
| Thomas Cook said customers due to travel between today and Sunday can cancel their holidays free of charge, while those flying out from Monday up to July 24 can amend bookings for holidays to Tunisia free of charge. People booked through Monarch or Cosmos Holidays in the next seven days can also choose not to travel and instead change their destination. | |
| 7.31pm BST19:31 | |
| The deadly attack in Sousse is the second blow to the country’s tourism industry in four months. But the attacks have not deterred some Irish holiday-makers already in Tunisia or on their way to the north African country, writes my colleague Lisa O’Carroll: | |
| Tanya Airey, managing director of Irish travel agent Sunway, told RTE radio it was going ahead with a charter flight operated by national airline Aer Lingus on Friday evening. | |
| It had delayed the flight by three hours and had given the 170 customers waiting in Dublin Airport the option of cancelling. | |
| She said: “59 people took up the offer, 112 people are travelling out and have decided to carry on with their holiday.” | |
| “It’s horrific for the country and safety for our customers is paramount - we go by the advice by the department of Foreign Affairs”. | |
| 7.26pm BST19:26 | |
| The US State Department said on Friday there was no evidence so far the terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait were coordinated. | |
| 7.19pm BST19:19 | |
| British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has said that at least five British tourists were killed in the gun attack on the Tunisian beach resort, Press Association is reporting. | |
| Mr Hammond warned that the death toll could rise and said a “high proportion” of the casualties were expected to be British “because of the nature of the resort”. | |
| 7.14pm BST19:14 | |
| My colleague Chris Stephen has tweeted the following updates from Sousse: | |
| Sousse - hotel is calm, full of police and army, tourists in shock sitting around in groups. | |
| Sousse - bodies have been collected in breach front restaurant some were killed as they lay on sun loungers | |
| Follow him on Twitter @reportingLibya | |
| 7.06pm BST19:06 | |
| Ireland’s Foreign Minister has warned there may be more Irish tourists killed in the Tunisian beach terror massacre, reports my colleague in Dublin, Henry McDonald: | |
| Minister Charlie Flanagan said tonight: “There were a number of Irish people in the hotel, in the vicinity, every effort is being made to make contact with them. | |
| “I can’t exclude the possibility that there are other Irish fatalities in this indiscriminate act.” | |
| Flanagan said the Irish Ambassador to Tunisia is on his way to the Sousse area to help out Irish tourists there. | |
| One woman in her 50s from County Meath was killed in the attack on the beach. On other Irish tourists on their way to Tunisia tonight and over the weekend, the minister said his advice was “to exercise the most extreme caution, the situation is very volatile.” | |
| 7.00pm BST19:00 | 7.00pm BST19:00 |
| Updated at 7.00pm BST | Updated at 7.00pm BST |
| 6.55pm BST18:55 | 6.55pm BST18:55 |
| The armed attack on the beach in Sousse seems to be the deadliest attack on tourists in the Arab world since the 1997 massacre in Luxor Egypt. | The armed attack on the beach in Sousse seems to be the deadliest attack on tourists in the Arab world since the 1997 massacre in Luxor Egypt. |
| In 1997, Islamist militants went on a killing spree along Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, killing more than 60, the vast majority of them foreign tourists. The attack on the temple of Hatshepsut was the bloodiest attack of its kind Egypt had ever seen. | In 1997, Islamist militants went on a killing spree along Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, killing more than 60, the vast majority of them foreign tourists. The attack on the temple of Hatshepsut was the bloodiest attack of its kind Egypt had ever seen. |
| Last march, 22 people – including foreign tourists – were killed when two gunmen attacked the Bardo museum in Tunis. | Last march, 22 people – including foreign tourists – were killed when two gunmen attacked the Bardo museum in Tunis. |
| Updated at 6.56pm BST | Updated at 6.56pm BST |
| 6.41pm BST18:41 | 6.41pm BST18:41 |
| The French prosecutor said that the Shahada, or Muslim testament of faith, was visible on at least one of the flags. | The French prosecutor said that the Shahada, or Muslim testament of faith, was visible on at least one of the flags. |
| Here’s a good backgrounder on the significance of the Shahada and how jihadis use it, written by my colleague Michael Safi after the Sydney siege in 2014. | Here’s a good backgrounder on the significance of the Shahada and how jihadis use it, written by my colleague Michael Safi after the Sydney siege in 2014. |
| 6.34pm BST18:34 | 6.34pm BST18:34 |
| France attack: four arrested including suspect | France attack: four arrested including suspect |
| The French prosecutor has given a press conference, providing details of the incident: | The French prosecutor has given a press conference, providing details of the incident: |
| More details provided on the victim: | More details provided on the victim: |
| More details on the suspect: | More details on the suspect: |
| The inquiry has been given to the central direction of the judicial police and to the anti-terrorist unit, and the internal security services, the French prosecutor said | The inquiry has been given to the central direction of the judicial police and to the anti-terrorist unit, and the internal security services, the French prosecutor said |
| Updated at 6.41pm BST | Updated at 6.41pm BST |
| 6.15pm BST18:15 | 6.15pm BST18:15 |
| Tunisia attack: 37 dead, 36 wounded – health ministry | Tunisia attack: 37 dead, 36 wounded – health ministry |
| Tunisia’s health ministry has confirmed to the Guardian the revised number of dead and wounded | Tunisia’s health ministry has confirmed to the Guardian the revised number of dead and wounded |
| 6.08pm BST18:08 | 6.08pm BST18:08 |
| The British Foreign Office said it was “urgently” working with travel firms in Tunisia, and had despatched a British Embassy team to the site of the atrocity. | The British Foreign Office said it was “urgently” working with travel firms in Tunisia, and had despatched a British Embassy team to the site of the atrocity. |
| A spokesman said: “We are urgently working with tour operators and local authorities in Tunisia to gather and confirm information on those affected by this attack. | A spokesman said: “We are urgently working with tour operators and local authorities in Tunisia to gather and confirm information on those affected by this attack. |
| “A team from the British Embassy in Tunis is on its way to the area to support any British nationals needing assistance.” | “A team from the British Embassy in Tunis is on its way to the area to support any British nationals needing assistance.” |
| 5.55pm BST17:55 | 5.55pm BST17:55 |
| The Tunisian foreign ministry could not yet confirm the nationalities of the 28 dead as some are still to be identified, reports my colleague Julian Borger. | The Tunisian foreign ministry could not yet confirm the nationalities of the 28 dead as some are still to be identified, reports my colleague Julian Borger. |
| But an official said that among the wounded tourists, there are 11 Britons, 3 Belgians and a German. | But an official said that among the wounded tourists, there are 11 Britons, 3 Belgians and a German. |
| 5.50pm BST17:50 | 5.50pm BST17:50 |
| Ireland confirms citizen's death | Ireland confirms citizen's death |
| The Irish department of foreign affairs and trade has confirmed the death of an Irish citizen in Sousse, my colleague Lisa O’Carroll reports: | The Irish department of foreign affairs and trade has confirmed the death of an Irish citizen in Sousse, my colleague Lisa O’Carroll reports: |
| I condemn unreservedly the terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France today,” said the minister of foreign affairs Charlie Flanagan. “Sadly, I can confirm that an Irish citizen has been killed in the attack in Sousse, Tunisia. | I condemn unreservedly the terrorist attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France today,” said the minister of foreign affairs Charlie Flanagan. “Sadly, I can confirm that an Irish citizen has been killed in the attack in Sousse, Tunisia. |
| Our focus is on establishing whether any other citizens have been killed or injured. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. My Department is providing consular assistance to those affected.” | Our focus is on establishing whether any other citizens have been killed or injured. I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. My Department is providing consular assistance to those affected.” |
| It said it was changing its travel advice to ‘exercise extreme caution’ in light of the incident. | It said it was changing its travel advice to ‘exercise extreme caution’ in light of the incident. |
| Updated at 5.52pm BST | Updated at 5.52pm BST |
| 5.39pm BST17:39 | 5.39pm BST17:39 |
| The German foreign office said it does not yet know whether any of the victims from the attack were German citizens. | The German foreign office said it does not yet know whether any of the victims from the attack were German citizens. |
| Full Statement by FM #Steinmeier on the „cowardly attack" on tourists in #Tunisia. #Tunesie #Sousse #SousseAttack pic.twitter.com/JBEDExIudo | Full Statement by FM #Steinmeier on the „cowardly attack" on tourists in #Tunisia. #Tunesie #Sousse #SousseAttack pic.twitter.com/JBEDExIudo |
| 5.35pm BST17:35 | 5.35pm BST17:35 |
| My colleague, Ireland correspondent Henry McDonald, has more on the Irish woman reportedly killed in today’s attacks. A member of the ruling Fine Gael party in Dublin has spoken to her family, he reports: | My colleague, Ireland correspondent Henry McDonald, has more on the Irish woman reportedly killed in today’s attacks. A member of the ruling Fine Gael party in Dublin has spoken to her family, he reports: |
| The victim is in her 50s and comes from the County Meath area and her family are understood to be prominent in the Gaelic Athletic Association in the Irish county. | The victim is in her 50s and comes from the County Meath area and her family are understood to be prominent in the Gaelic Athletic Association in the Irish county. |
| Fine Gael TD Ray Butler said he has spoken to the woman’s husband. “He is absolutely distraught,” Butler said. The woman’s husband was not on the beach when the attacker struck killing his wife. | Fine Gael TD Ray Butler said he has spoken to the woman’s husband. “He is absolutely distraught,” Butler said. The woman’s husband was not on the beach when the attacker struck killing his wife. |
| 5.31pm BST17:31 | 5.31pm BST17:31 |
| This does not seem to be the first terror attack in Sousse. | This does not seem to be the first terror attack in Sousse. |
| In 2013, in what was believed to be the first suicide bombing targeting mass civilian casualties in Tunisia, a suicide bomber blew himself in front of the seaside Riadh Palm hotel in Sousse. | In 2013, in what was believed to be the first suicide bombing targeting mass civilian casualties in Tunisia, a suicide bomber blew himself in front of the seaside Riadh Palm hotel in Sousse. |
| The suicide bomber was a Tunisian man and was wearing an explosive belt. He was the only fatality. | The suicide bomber was a Tunisian man and was wearing an explosive belt. He was the only fatality. |
| 5.09pm BST17:09 | 5.09pm BST17:09 |
| In the same statement, the hotel described itself as a 5 star property, with 366 rooms. RIU owns 10 hotels in Tunisia with a total of 3,586 rooms. | In the same statement, the hotel described itself as a 5 star property, with 366 rooms. RIU owns 10 hotels in Tunisia with a total of 3,586 rooms. |
| 5.03pm BST17:03 | 5.03pm BST17:03 |
| Most guests at Imperial Marhaba Hotel 'from UK and central Europe' – hotel | Most guests at Imperial Marhaba Hotel 'from UK and central Europe' – hotel |
| The Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel where today’s attack took place has said that the majority of the 565 guests at the hotel are from the UK and other central European countries: | The Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel where today’s attack took place has said that the majority of the 565 guests at the hotel are from the UK and other central European countries: |
| While the Tunisian authorities keep working in the area and guests are being taken care of, the information about the attack at the Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel is still limited. | While the Tunisian authorities keep working in the area and guests are being taken care of, the information about the attack at the Riu Imperial Marhaba Hotel is still limited. |
| When the attack occurred, the occupancy rate at the hotel was 77% with 565 guests at the moment of the attack. | When the attack occurred, the occupancy rate at the hotel was 77% with 565 guests at the moment of the attack. |
| The majority of the guests are from the UK and other central European countries. However, it is not possible at the moment to confirm the nationalities or any other details of the victims. | The majority of the guests are from the UK and other central European countries. However, it is not possible at the moment to confirm the nationalities or any other details of the victims. |
| Updated at 5.04pm BST | Updated at 5.04pm BST |
| 4.54pm BST16:54 | 4.54pm BST16:54 |
| Summary | Summary |
| 4.29pm BST16:29 | 4.29pm BST16:29 |
| Here is video of UK prime minister David Cameron responding to the attacks in Tunisia and France: | Here is video of UK prime minister David Cameron responding to the attacks in Tunisia and France: |
| 4.12pm BST16:12 | 4.12pm BST16:12 |
| British, German and Belgian citizens among dead | British, German and Belgian citizens among dead |
| British, German and Belgian nationals are among the dead in Tunisia, the health ministry has said (via Reuters). | British, German and Belgian nationals are among the dead in Tunisia, the health ministry has said (via Reuters). |
| Updated at 4.50pm BST | Updated at 4.50pm BST |
| 4.05pm BST16:05 | 4.05pm BST16:05 |
| The Irish Times is reporting that an unnamed Irish woman in her 50s, who was on holiday with her husband, is among the dead in Tunisia. No nationalities of other victims have been revealed so far. | The Irish Times is reporting that an unnamed Irish woman in her 50s, who was on holiday with her husband, is among the dead in Tunisia. No nationalities of other victims have been revealed so far. |
| 4.03pm BST16:03 | 4.03pm BST16:03 |
| Tunisian death toll rises – state TV | Tunisian death toll rises – state TV |
| Tunisian state television has raised the death toll from the beach attack in Sousse to 28 dead and 36 wounded, AP reports. | Tunisian state television has raised the death toll from the beach attack in Sousse to 28 dead and 36 wounded, AP reports. |
| Updated at 4.15pm BST | Updated at 4.15pm BST |
| 4.01pm BST16:01 | 4.01pm BST16:01 |
| A flight from Brussels to Enfidha, around 50km from Sousse, turned round in mid-air due to the terrorist attack: | A flight from Brussels to Enfidha, around 50km from Sousse, turned round in mid-air due to the terrorist attack: |
| @andym958 @flightradar24 JAF5017 is turning back to Belgium due to current terrorist attack in Tunesia. | @andym958 @flightradar24 JAF5017 is turning back to Belgium due to current terrorist attack in Tunesia. |
| 3.49pm BST15:49 | 3.49pm BST15:49 |
| Here is a picture of a suspect being led away in connection with the Tunisia attack: | Here is a picture of a suspect being led away in connection with the Tunisia attack: |
| 3.47pm BST15:47 | 3.47pm BST15:47 |
| French officials have said the decapitated victim in the factory attack in France was the suspect’s employer. | French officials have said the decapitated victim in the factory attack in France was the suspect’s employer. |
| Updated at 4.04pm BST | Updated at 4.04pm BST |
| 3.35pm BST15:35 | 3.35pm BST15:35 |
| Rafik Chelli, one of Tunisia’s top security officials, told Mosaique FM that the gunman shot by security forces after attacking a Tunisian beach resort was unknown to authorities. From AP: | Rafik Chelli, one of Tunisia’s top security officials, told Mosaique FM that the gunman shot by security forces after attacking a Tunisian beach resort was unknown to authorities. From AP: |
| Chelli said the man, from the city of Kairouan, came from the beach hiding his Kalashnikov under an umbrella before opening fire on the tourists. From there he entered the Hotel Imperial through the pool, shooting people as he went. | Chelli said the man, from the city of Kairouan, came from the beach hiding his Kalashnikov under an umbrella before opening fire on the tourists. From there he entered the Hotel Imperial through the pool, shooting people as he went. |
| Chelli said there were many foreigners among the victims but he did not have an exact count of the nationalities. | Chelli said there were many foreigners among the victims but he did not have an exact count of the nationalities. |
| He said authorities had a plan to protect the hotels during the month of Ramadan but this was an isolated operation that is difficult to counter against and there is never zero risk. | He said authorities had a plan to protect the hotels during the month of Ramadan but this was an isolated operation that is difficult to counter against and there is never zero risk. |
| 3.33pm BST15:33 | 3.33pm BST15:33 |
| My colleague Tom McCarthy, in New York, said that a US justice department spokesman, when asked whether an investigation is underway of potential links between the incidents in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, merely said: “I cannot confirm anything at this time and have no comment.” | My colleague Tom McCarthy, in New York, said that a US justice department spokesman, when asked whether an investigation is underway of potential links between the incidents in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, merely said: “I cannot confirm anything at this time and have no comment.” |
| 3.30pm BST15:30 | 3.30pm BST15:30 |
| Death toll in Kuwait attack rises to 25 | Death toll in Kuwait attack rises to 25 |
| The death toll from the attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait, has risen to 25, with 202 injured, the country’s interior ministry said. The attack, unlike those in Tunisia and Paris, has been claimed by Isis. | The death toll from the attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait, has risen to 25, with 202 injured, the country’s interior ministry said. The attack, unlike those in Tunisia and Paris, has been claimed by Isis. |
| Updated at 3.57pm BST | Updated at 3.57pm BST |
| 3.26pm BST15:26 | 3.26pm BST15:26 |
| Here is another witness account, from Steve Johnson, who was staying at the Imperial Marhaba hotel. | Here is another witness account, from Steve Johnson, who was staying at the Imperial Marhaba hotel. |
| He said: | He said: |
| We were just laying on the beach as usual... and we heard what at first we thought was fireworks but it was soon pretty obvious that that it was not fireworks, it was firearms being discharged, and people screaming and starting to run from along the beach towards us. | We were just laying on the beach as usual... and we heard what at first we thought was fireworks but it was soon pretty obvious that that it was not fireworks, it was firearms being discharged, and people screaming and starting to run from along the beach towards us. |
| Me and my friend said: ‘That’s guns, let’s go’ and we shouted to everybody around us who joined the sort of mass rush from the beach. People running in all directions around us. | Me and my friend said: ‘That’s guns, let’s go’ and we shouted to everybody around us who joined the sort of mass rush from the beach. People running in all directions around us. |
| Once at the hotel, he said: | Once at the hotel, he said: |
| We tried to organise people to get themselves concealed away from windows and got the staff to lock up the doors, and we stayed there until we started to see armed police officers on the site and waited until we were told it was safe to come out. | We tried to organise people to get themselves concealed away from windows and got the staff to lock up the doors, and we stayed there until we started to see armed police officers on the site and waited until we were told it was safe to come out. |
| The place has been completely locked down now by the military and a lot of armed police officers. The majority of people have gone to their rooms.” | The place has been completely locked down now by the military and a lot of armed police officers. The majority of people have gone to their rooms.” |
| He said the authorities were now “removing a number of bodies from around the pool area”. | He said the authorities were now “removing a number of bodies from around the pool area”. |
| 3.17pm BST15:17 | 3.17pm BST15:17 |
| At least 16 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait today. There is nothing to connect it to the attacks in Tunisia and France. The atrocity in Kuwait is the only one to have been claimed by Islamic State. From AP: | At least 16 people have been killed and dozens wounded in an attack on a Shia mosque in Kuwait today. There is nothing to connect it to the attacks in Tunisia and France. The atrocity in Kuwait is the only one to have been claimed by Islamic State. From AP: |
| A posting on a Twitter account known to belong to Isis said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt. The attack was claimed by an Isis affiliate calling itself the Najd Province, the same group that claimed a pair of bombing attacks on Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. | A posting on a Twitter account known to belong to Isis said the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt. The attack was claimed by an Isis affiliate calling itself the Najd Province, the same group that claimed a pair of bombing attacks on Shia mosques in Saudi Arabia in recent weeks. |
| Friday’s explosion struck the Imam Sadiq mosque in the neighbourhood of al-Sawabir, a residential and shopping district of Kuwait City... Police formed a cordon around the mosque’s complex immediately after the explosion, banning people from entering or gathering near the area. Ambulances could be seen ferrying the wounded from the site... | Friday’s explosion struck the Imam Sadiq mosque in the neighbourhood of al-Sawabir, a residential and shopping district of Kuwait City... Police formed a cordon around the mosque’s complex immediately after the explosion, banning people from entering or gathering near the area. Ambulances could be seen ferrying the wounded from the site... |
| Ahmad al-Shawaf, said worshippers were standing shoulder to shoulder in group prayer when the explosion struck near the door of the mosque. Al-Shawaf said the explosion took place near the end of a second prayer that is traditional to Shia muslims and which follows the main midday Friday prayer. | Ahmad al-Shawaf, said worshippers were standing shoulder to shoulder in group prayer when the explosion struck near the door of the mosque. Al-Shawaf said the explosion took place near the end of a second prayer that is traditional to Shia muslims and which follows the main midday Friday prayer. |
| He reported that witnesses standing behind him said they saw a man walk in, stand in the back with other congregants and detonate his device ... | He reported that witnesses standing behind him said they saw a man walk in, stand in the back with other congregants and detonate his device ... |
| Isis regards Shia Muslims as heretics, and refers to them derogatively as “rafideen” or “rejectionists”. The Isis Twitter statement said the bomber had targeted a “temple of the apostates”. | Isis regards Shia Muslims as heretics, and refers to them derogatively as “rafideen” or “rejectionists”. The Isis Twitter statement said the bomber had targeted a “temple of the apostates”. |
| Updated at 3.40pm BST | Updated at 3.40pm BST |
| 3.05pm BST15:05 | 3.05pm BST15:05 |
| A UK foreign office spokesman said: | A UK foreign office spokesman said: |
| We are aware of the ongoing situation at a hotel resort in Sousse, Tunisia. We are urgently looking to establish further details and whether any British citizens are involved. | We are aware of the ongoing situation at a hotel resort in Sousse, Tunisia. We are urgently looking to establish further details and whether any British citizens are involved. |
| In its travel advice it advises against travel to certain areas, including the borders with Algeria and Libya but adds: “424,707 British nationals visited Tunisia in 2014. Most British tourists stay in the coastal resorts and most visits are trouble free.” | In its travel advice it advises against travel to certain areas, including the borders with Algeria and Libya but adds: “424,707 British nationals visited Tunisia in 2014. Most British tourists stay in the coastal resorts and most visits are trouble free.” |
| 3.00pm BST15:00 | 3.00pm BST15:00 |
| Here are a couple of maps created by my colleague Paddy Allen showing the location of the hotel in Tunisia where the attack took place as well as an overhead view of the resort. | Here are a couple of maps created by my colleague Paddy Allen showing the location of the hotel in Tunisia where the attack took place as well as an overhead view of the resort. |
| 2.53pm BST14:53 | 2.53pm BST14:53 |
| The three attacks today, in Tunisia, Kuwait and France come just days after Islamic State (Isis) spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani used an audio message to urge jihadis to turn the holy month of Ramadan into “a time of “calamity for the infidels … Shias and apostate Muslims”. | The three attacks today, in Tunisia, Kuwait and France come just days after Islamic State (Isis) spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani used an audio message to urge jihadis to turn the holy month of Ramadan into “a time of “calamity for the infidels … Shias and apostate Muslims”. |
| So far there is no evidence that the atrocities were coordinated. Isis has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in Kuwait, although high profile incidents are often claimed by multiple groups after the event in a bid to boost their notoriety. | So far there is no evidence that the atrocities were coordinated. Isis has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack in Kuwait, although high profile incidents are often claimed by multiple groups after the event in a bid to boost their notoriety. |
| Updated at 3.15pm BST | Updated at 3.15pm BST |
| 2.28pm BST14:28 | 2.28pm BST14:28 |
| Police are still clearing the area around the Imperial Marhaba hotel. The body of one suspect lay at the scene with a Kalashnikov assault rifle by his side. He was shot in an exchange of gunfire, a security source at the scene told Reuters. | Police are still clearing the area around the Imperial Marhaba hotel. The body of one suspect lay at the scene with a Kalashnikov assault rifle by his side. He was shot in an exchange of gunfire, a security source at the scene told Reuters. |
| A hotel worker at the site said: | A hotel worker at the site said: |
| One attacker opened fire with a Kalashnikov on tourists and Tunisians on the beach of the hotel. It was just one attacker. He was a young guy dressed in shorts like he was a tourist himself. | One attacker opened fire with a Kalashnikov on tourists and Tunisians on the beach of the hotel. It was just one attacker. He was a young guy dressed in shorts like he was a tourist himself. |
| Updated at 2.50pm BST | Updated at 2.50pm BST |
| 2.26pm BST14:26 | 2.26pm BST14:26 |
| Graphic photos have been posted on Instagram that purport to show the beach outside the hotel. The beach is deserted, full of empty sun loungers, bar from a man in swimming shorts lying face down in a pool of blood. | Graphic photos have been posted on Instagram that purport to show the beach outside the hotel. The beach is deserted, full of empty sun loungers, bar from a man in swimming shorts lying face down in a pool of blood. |
| Updated at 2.47pm BST | Updated at 2.47pm BST |
| 2.21pm BST14:21 | 2.21pm BST14:21 |
| Vikram Dodd | Vikram Dodd |
| Britain’s Metropolitan police said it was “monitoring the situation” after the attacks in Tunisia and France. It said it constantly reviews security and urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. It said the threat level to the UK from international terrorism remained “severe”, which means an attack is highly likely. | Britain’s Metropolitan police said it was “monitoring the situation” after the attacks in Tunisia and France. It said it constantly reviews security and urged the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious. It said the threat level to the UK from international terrorism remained “severe”, which means an attack is highly likely. |
| Updated at 2.46pm BST | Updated at 2.46pm BST |
| 2.20pm BST14:20 | 2.20pm BST14:20 |
| Andrew Sparrow | Andrew Sparrow |
| David Cameron said the British government’s Cobra emergency committee would meeting in London this afternoon to discuss the implications of the terror atrocities. | David Cameron said the British government’s Cobra emergency committee would meeting in London this afternoon to discuss the implications of the terror atrocities. |
| At a news conference in Brussels at the end of an EU summit, the British prime minister condemned the “appalling” attacks and offered “sympathy, condolences and solidarity”. | At a news conference in Brussels at the end of an EU summit, the British prime minister condemned the “appalling” attacks and offered “sympathy, condolences and solidarity”. |
| He went on: “This is a threat that faces all of us. These events have taken place in Tunisia and in France but they can take place anywhere. We all face this threat.” | He went on: “This is a threat that faces all of us. These events have taken place in Tunisia and in France but they can take place anywhere. We all face this threat.” |
| A minister would be chairing the Cobra meeting, he said, to ensure “we are doing everything we can to cooperate and coordinate with other countries” and to share information with them. | A minister would be chairing the Cobra meeting, he said, to ensure “we are doing everything we can to cooperate and coordinate with other countries” and to share information with them. |
| He said the government was already engaged in the fight against terrorism, but that it was also important to challenge the causes of radicalisation. | He said the government was already engaged in the fight against terrorism, but that it was also important to challenge the causes of radicalisation. |
| We also have to deal - perhaps more important than anything - with this poisonous, radical narrative that is turning so many young minds. And we have to combat it with everything that we have. | We also have to deal - perhaps more important than anything - with this poisonous, radical narrative that is turning so many young minds. And we have to combat it with everything that we have. |
| The people who do these things, they sometimes claim that they do it in the name of Islam. They don’t. Islam is a religion of peace. They do it in the name of a twisted and perverted ideology that we have to confront with everything that we have. And we must stop the poisoning of these young minds in our country, in other European countries, and around the world. | The people who do these things, they sometimes claim that they do it in the name of Islam. They don’t. Islam is a religion of peace. They do it in the name of a twisted and perverted ideology that we have to confront with everything that we have. And we must stop the poisoning of these young minds in our country, in other European countries, and around the world. |
| Updated at 2.43pm BST | Updated at 2.43pm BST |
| 2.18pm BST14:18 | 2.18pm BST14:18 |
| John Yeoman on Twitter described the terror as it unfolded: | John Yeoman on Twitter described the terror as it unfolded: |
| There has been a shooting on the beach at our hotel it's been going on for 20 mins | There has been a shooting on the beach at our hotel it's been going on for 20 mins |
| We were in the pool when we heard automatic gun fire. People ran past saying there was an armed man on the beach | We were in the pool when we heard automatic gun fire. People ran past saying there was an armed man on the beach |
| We don't know if the police or army are here we are very scared | We don't know if the police or army are here we are very scared |
| Hope it's enough pic.twitter.com/XaW4yTpplU | Hope it's enough pic.twitter.com/XaW4yTpplU |
| The gunman was shout in our hotel by armed police there a reports of a child amongst the dead. We are all in shock here. | The gunman was shout in our hotel by armed police there a reports of a child amongst the dead. We are all in shock here. |
| 2.08pm BST14:08 | 2.08pm BST14:08 |
| According to some estimates there are more Tunisians fighting for Islamic State (Isis) than combatants from any other single country, even though it is one of the most secular countries in the Arab world. | According to some estimates there are more Tunisians fighting for Islamic State (Isis) than combatants from any other single country, even though it is one of the most secular countries in the Arab world. |
| The attackers behind March’s attack on the National Bardo Museum, which also targeted tourists, were believed to have returned from fighting in neighbouring Libya. | The attackers behind March’s attack on the National Bardo Museum, which also targeted tourists, were believed to have returned from fighting in neighbouring Libya. |
| In February, Tunisia arrested 32 would-be attackers, some of whom were returning from fighting in Syria. Officials accused them of planning “spectacular” attacks. | In February, Tunisia arrested 32 would-be attackers, some of whom were returning from fighting in Syria. Officials accused them of planning “spectacular” attacks. |
| Updated at 2.42pm BST | Updated at 2.42pm BST |
| 1.57pm BST13:57 | 1.57pm BST13:57 |
| Here is audio of an interview with Susan Ricketts and her sister, who told Sky News they were on the beach when they heard gunfire. Ricketts said: | Here is audio of an interview with Susan Ricketts and her sister, who told Sky News they were on the beach when they heard gunfire. Ricketts said: |
| Everybody just started running in and screaming. The whole place just cleared. | Everybody just started running in and screaming. The whole place just cleared. |
| 1.55pm BST13:55 | 1.55pm BST13:55 |
| Interior ministry: most of the dead are tourists | Interior ministry: most of the dead are tourists |
| The interior ministry says most of the dead are tourists, according to AP. The attack has echoes of that on the National Bardo museum in Tunis, in March, which saw 22 people killed, mostly foreign tourists. | The interior ministry says most of the dead are tourists, according to AP. The attack has echoes of that on the National Bardo museum in Tunis, in March, which saw 22 people killed, mostly foreign tourists. |
| Updated at 2.41pm BST | Updated at 2.41pm BST |
| 1.40pm BST13:40 | 1.40pm BST13:40 |
| An Irish woman on holiday with her two sons in the resort, described how she grabbed her children and ran for their lives when they heard gunfire erupting from one of the hotels. | An Irish woman on holiday with her two sons in the resort, described how she grabbed her children and ran for their lives when they heard gunfire erupting from one of the hotels. |
| Elizabeth O’Brien, from Dublin, told RTE raido: | Elizabeth O’Brien, from Dublin, told RTE raido: |
| We were on the beach, my sons were in the sea and I just got out of the sea. It was about 12 o’clock and I just looked up about 500 metres from me and I saw a (hot air) balloon collapse down, then rapid firing, then I saw two of the people who were going to go up in the balloon start to run towards me - because I thought it was fireworks,. | We were on the beach, my sons were in the sea and I just got out of the sea. It was about 12 o’clock and I just looked up about 500 metres from me and I saw a (hot air) balloon collapse down, then rapid firing, then I saw two of the people who were going to go up in the balloon start to run towards me - because I thought it was fireworks,. |
| So, I thought ‘oh my God, it sounds like gunfire’, so I just ran to the sea to my children and grabbed our things and as I was running towards the hotel, the waiters and the security on the beach started saying ‘run, run run!’ and we just ran to our room, which is like a little bungalow. So we are actually trapped in our room. | So, I thought ‘oh my God, it sounds like gunfire’, so I just ran to the sea to my children and grabbed our things and as I was running towards the hotel, the waiters and the security on the beach started saying ‘run, run run!’ and we just ran to our room, which is like a little bungalow. So we are actually trapped in our room. |
| O’Brien said the Irish consul in Madrid, Spain, called her to say it was a terrorist attack in the hotel next door and told her to stay where she was. She said: | O’Brien said the Irish consul in Madrid, Spain, called her to say it was a terrorist attack in the hotel next door and told her to stay where she was. She said: |
| My travel agent told me to go to the reception to speak to the rep, but I’m afraid. I’m stuck in the room with my two sons, not knowing what’s going on. | My travel agent told me to go to the reception to speak to the rep, but I’m afraid. I’m stuck in the room with my two sons, not knowing what’s going on. |
| 1.33pm BST13:33 | 1.33pm BST13:33 |
| A British tourist close to the scene of the attack has described his experiences to Sky News. | A British tourist close to the scene of the attack has described his experiences to Sky News. |
| Gary Pine said he was on the beach and heard what “we thought was firecrackers going off” 100 yards away, followed by an explosion from the next hotel complex along. | Gary Pine said he was on the beach and heard what “we thought was firecrackers going off” 100 yards away, followed by an explosion from the next hotel complex along. |
| “There was a mass exodus off the beach,” he said. He said his son had seen someone get shot on the beach. | “There was a mass exodus off the beach,” he said. He said his son had seen someone get shot on the beach. |
| He said guests at his hotel were first told to lock themselves in their rooms, and later to gather in the lobby. | He said guests at his hotel were first told to lock themselves in their rooms, and later to gather in the lobby. |
| 1.30pm BST13:30 | 1.30pm BST13:30 |
| Opening summary | Opening summary |
| At least 27 people have been killed in an attack on a hotel in the Tunisian beach resort of Sousse, according to an interior ministry official. | At least 27 people have been killed in an attack on a hotel in the Tunisian beach resort of Sousse, according to an interior ministry official. |
| The attack was on the Imperial Marhaba hotel, a source and local radio said. | The attack was on the Imperial Marhaba hotel, a source and local radio said. |
| A security source at the scene said the body of one gunman armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle lay where police had shot him dead. It was unclear whether there were other assailants. | A security source at the scene said the body of one gunman armed with a Kalashnikov assault rifle lay where police had shot him dead. It was unclear whether there were other assailants. |
| Sousse, some 150 kilometres from Tunis, is a popular resort for both Tunisians and Europeans. | Sousse, some 150 kilometres from Tunis, is a popular resort for both Tunisians and Europeans. |
| Updated at 1.33pm BST | Updated at 1.33pm BST |