Tunisia's health ministry says at least 37 people are dead, mostly foreigners, with 36 people injured
Officials say one gunman has been shot dead - a student not previously known to authorities
That brings to an end our live coverage following the attack on a beach in the Tunisian resort of Sousse. Thank you for joining us.
UK says travel advice 'appropriate'
UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says he was satisfied that travel advice to Tunisia had been sufficient, after a British woman was among 23 people killed in an attack on a museum in Tunis three months ago.
He said: "Of course an incident like this can occur anywhere. I'm confident that the travel advice we set was appropriate, but we are now of course reviewing that and we'll look at all the facts overnight. We'll discuss again in the Cobra meeting tomorrow morning whether we need to change our travel advice from what it is at the moment - we'll keep it under constant review."
'Everyone's confused and in shock'
More British holidaymakers have been talking about their experiences. Kelsie Collins, 24, of Pontypridd, who is staying at the Sahara Beach Resort near the seafront, says her family have been told to stay in their hotel room: "There's mostly Brits here in the hotel, but nobody is really saying anything to each other, everyone's confused and in shock."
Stacey Webb, 23, from Barry, says she was locked in a bathroom with seven others following the shooting: "I have never been more scared in my life but I hope God is with me."
White House condemns attacks
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest says: "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous attacks, their loved ones, and the people of all three countries. Terrorism has no place in any society, and the United States will continue to work closely with our international partners to combat terrorist actors and counter violent extremism around the globe."
Cameron: Heart with UK families
'It's just crazy'
BBCCopyright: BBC
BBC News spoke to David Schofield, a British tourist in Sousse who was still in his hotel room several hours after being ordered to stay there in the wake of the attack.
He said: "To have this happen two minutes' walk behind where you are lying on a sun lounger and jumping in and out of the pool...then all of a sudden , hearing a grenade - it's just crazy."
'Situation on the ground confused'
More from UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who says the "situation on the ground is somewhat confused" and the Foreign Office "cannot be sure exactly how many" Britons are involved.
However, he said families had notified the Foreign Office of the deaths of five Britons and "we must expect more reports of fatalities".
Mr Hammond said the FCO had a consular team on the ground and two additional rapid response teams were on the way.
He said the government was working with the Tunisian authorities, the German authorities and he had held a conference call with British tour operators.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Irish woman killed
The BBC has received confirmation that, as well as at least five Britons, one Irish woman died in the attack.
Irish politician Ray Butler said he had spoken to the woman's husband, who confirmed her death.
He said the couple had been given the holiday as a gift by a relative after her husband recovered from heart surgery recently.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Friday's attacks show that the world is locked in a struggle against "dark forces", reports The Times of Israel. He said: "The brutal murders in France, Tunisia and Kuwait again underscore that the enlightened world is struggling against dark forces.
He said: "The fight against the murderous terrorism of extremist Islam requires unity, the beginning of which is the unequivocal condemnation of the murderers and those who support them."
Tunisia denies under-35s travel ban
The Tunisian Interior Ministry has denied reports that people under age of 35 are being prevented from leaving the country after the deadly attack at Sousse, reports the privately-owned Shems FM.
An earlier report by Shems FM quoting a security source at the Tunis-Carthage airport, said that he was stopping Tunisians under 35 from boarding planes, on the instructions of the interior ministry.
Eyewitness describes moment she had to run for her life
BBC Radio 5 Live
Amanda Roberts from Swansea in south Wales is on holiday in Sousse with six members of her family: "We were told to run a few seconds before we heard gunfire...we were running for our lives. We left all our possessions and we ran barefooted. Myself and my daughter are dealing with severe burns on our feet..but thank god we are alive".
Full coverage bbc.co.uk/5live
BreakingBreaking News
At least five Britons are among the dead after the attack in Tunisia, British foreign secretary Philip Hammond has said.
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".
Reports of victims' nationalities
Frederic Bobin, Le Monde's north Africa correspondent, says some of the victims were from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Ukraine.
He also said grenades were thrown and that the gunman was able to continue his attack for around 30 minutes.
Olivia Leathley, 24, from Manchester in northwest England, told the British PA agency that one woman said her husband had been shot in the stomach in front of her.
She said the woman was "dragged away by hotel reps trying to get her to safety but she was a complete mess. She was in hysterics.''
She added: "All she said was that he'd been shot and that he was there bleeding on the beach and he was just saying, 'I love you I love you,' and then his eyes rolled back into his head.''
Who could be behind Sousse assault?
No group has so far said it carried out the deadly attack in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse, which killed at least 37 people.
Just to remind you where the attacks took place - they were at two hotels within walking distance of the sea near Port el Kantaoui.
BBCCopyright: BBC
More on British casualties
To follow separate developments on British nationals killed in Tunisia, turn to our piece here.
Are attacks linked?
In one day, there were three significant attacks in three countries - Tunisia, Kuwait and France. Could all three be linked in any way? Here is our conclusion.
Interpol aid offer
The international police agency Interpol is offering its investigative help to Tunisia, France, Kuwait and Somalia after separate terrorist attacks that have killed more than 80 people, AP news agency reports.
British casualties
Iain Watson
Political correspondent, BBC News
Sources at the UK Foreign Office say a number of Britons are thought to have died in the attack in Tunisia.
Inside the Imperial Marhaba hotel
We are getting more images of the damage at the hotels after the shootings - these are all from the Imperial Marhaba hotel.
EPACopyright: EPA
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
EPACopyright: EPA
Attack aftermath
BBC North Africa correspondent tweets from the scene:
UN chief Ban Ki-moon believes the attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France will only strengthen the commitment of the world body to "help defeat those bent on murder, destruction and the annihilation of human development and culture", UN spokesman Farhan Haq said, Reuters news agency reports.
Islamic State links?
Johnathan Russell, from the London-based counter-extremism think tank the Quilliam Foundation, believes the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait may all have links to jihadist group Islamic State.
He told the BBC: "It's unclear at this stage whether there's command and control centrally. I would tend to doubt it. However, it seems in terms of inspiration and in terms of motivation there is a link."
Death toll 'rises to 37'
According to Tunisian radio, the health minister says the death toll has risen to 37, with 36 wounded, the AP news agency reports.
UK travel advice
Here's updated UK Foreign Office travel advice to Tunisia: "Gunmen attacked the Imperial Hotel and Hotel Club Riu Bellevue at Port El Kantaoui, near Sousse, earlier today. A number of people have been killed and injured. A British Embassy crisis team is on its way to the area.
"Some attackers may still be at large. Any British nationals in these hotels or nearby should remain indoors, and contact their tour operator and the Foreign Office on the hotline number. For security reasons they should not advertise their location on social media or when speaking to journalists."
'Heinous' attacks
The White House has condemned the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait as "heinous".
"We stand with these nations as they respond to attacks on their soil today and we have been in contact with appropriate counterparts in all three countries to offer any necessary support," a statement said.
Irish casualties
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs says he is not in a position to exclude the possibility of other Irish fatalities in Tunisia.
Charlie Flanagan says there were a number of Irish families in the area of the shooting.
One woman, believed to be from County Meath, has been confirmed dead.
Return flights
German tour operator TUI says it is organising flights for tourists wishing to return from Tunisia.
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David wrote to tell us: "I am writing from the Royal Kenz hotel in Tunisia. My girlfriend and I were sunbathing by the pool and we were told to get inside quickly. On route inside we heard an explosion. It is now 15.56 and we have received no further information. The Thomson reps haven't been informed of anything from head office and therefore we have no information as to what is going on."
Coincidence or co-ordinated?
A Pentagon spokesman says it is too early to say if the attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France were co-ordinated, reports the Associated Press news agency.
President visits survivors
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has visited some of the survivors in hospital:
AFPCopyright: AFP
He called for a unified global strategy against Islamist extremists.
He said: "We note that Tunisia faces an international movement. It cannot respond alone to this. On the same day, at the same time, France has been the target of such an operation, and Kuwait too. This proves the need for a global strategy, and that all democratic countries must now join forces.
"This is worse than terrible. We thought we were protected from that. I hope this is the last time, because we are determined to take the most painful measures to deal with an even more painful scourge."
Egyptian reaction
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
AFPCopyright: AFP
"Egypt affirms that it stands with those countries that suffer from the scourge of terrorism and expresses its full support for their efforts in their war against terrorism and extremism, which knows no boundaries or religions," he said.
German tour operators say they are offering people booked to Tunisia in the coming weeks the chance to cancel their vacations or change their destination for free.
They add that they will work to bring home people who want to leave the country early.
Hotel guests retreat inside
Security forces are guarding the front door of the Imperial hotel in Sousse:
AFPCopyright: AFP
They are also carrying out patrols outside:
AFPCopyright: AFP
Meanwhile, guests are gathering in the lobby as they come to terms with the attack:
AFPCopyright: AFP
'Most victims European'
Hotel management say most of the guests attacked were British and other Europeans, reports the AFP news agency.
'Extremists feel disenfranchised'
Afzal Ashraf, a consultant fellow in international diplomacy at the London-based Royal United Services Insitute, says: "Tunisia, of course, is one of those countries that is regarded as a bit of a success as a result of the Arab Spring. And so it's one of the most moderate regimes to emerge from that upheaval - and what that means is that the extremists within that country feel disenfranchised; they feel that they've lost out and they want to hit out and try to discredit and destroy this state."
Spanish terror threat level
Spain raises its terror threat level to the second highest as a precautionary measure following attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
Diplomatic team travelling
The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued this statement:
"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."
Political stability vital
The head of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, says political stability in Tunisia is also vital for Europe.
"I believe that it is not accidental that Tunisia is among the countries attacked by terrorists," he told reporters in Brussels.
He said Tunisia is one of the few countries in the region that gives hope for stability, albeit "very sensitive" stability.
"I am Sousse"
People in Sousse are condemning the suicide attack by sharing this picture on Instagram:
BBCCopyright: BBC
It translates as "I am Sousse".
Earlier we mentioned people are also posting an image saying "Je Suis Kantaoui", reminiscent of the #JeSuisCharlie hashtag used by tweeters after an attack at the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris in January.
'All we could think was we're next'
BBC Radio 5 Live
Holidaymaker Debbie Horsfall from Huddersfield was on the beach in Sousse when her friend at the hotel next door said she saw a "guy with a massive gun" and "everybody just ran".
Hiding in the hotel Ms Horsfall said she saw a woman run into the lobby whose husband had been shot in the stomach.
UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond arrives at Downing Street for a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra.
Holidaymakers' welfare
UK travel industry body Abta says: "We estimate there are approximately 20,000 customers currently on holiday with Abta members in Tunisia but there will also be a number of holidaymakers who have travelled independently. The situation is still developing and we are liaising with our members, the Tunisian authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office concerning the welfare of holidaymakers in Tunisia and the most appropriate actions to take."
Acting alone
Tunisia's Interior Ministry says the gunman killed by police was acting alone when he attacked a beach resort in Sousse, killing at least 28 people and wounding 36, reports the AFP news agency.
The Interior Ministry had previously said two attackers were involved, including one who had fled the scene.
'Panic and pandemonium'
Jim Muir
BBC News, Tunis
There was panic and pandemonium on the beach as at least one gunman suddenly opened fire on sunbathers and then stormed towards one of the luxury hotels spraying holidaymakers with bullets.
Television footage showed a number of casualties in swimsuits lying still on the sand or being carried out on stretchers by rescuers.
Security officials said one attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under his sun umbrella, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police. A security sweep is under way to ensure that the area is safe.
An Irish woman is understood to be among the 28 victims killed, an Irish government source has confirmed.
Why is Tunisia vulnerable?
Tunisia has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks since the collapse of neighbouring Libya, writes the BBC's Aidan Lewis.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tourism 'blow'
A terror expert says the attack at a Tunisian beach resort should "probably be seen as an attempt to destabilize the economy as well as the wider political situation in Tunisia".
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchins, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization at King's College London, said similar attacks had earlier damaged tourism in Egypt and Kenya.
"We have people relaxing on the beach on their holidays being murdered - that is not going to help the attempts by the Tunisian tourist industry to get people to come to the country."
Hotel lockdown
Adam O'Brien is currently on lockdown in a hotel near Sousse, waiting for news on leaving Tunisia.
He said: "My girlfriend and I are in the hotel Royal Kenz. We're currently being told by the hotel and holiday reps to stay inside. The hotel and the streets are in lockdown and medical and military helicopters are in force as well as ambulances and armed special forces."
Aftermath
Pictures are coming in of the aftermath of the attack in Sousse with crowds looking at the bodies of some of those killed:
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Numbers of wounded
Tunisian state television quotes the Interior Ministry as saying that 36 people have been wounded in the attack, reports the AP news agency.
Death toll rises to 28
The Tunisian Health Ministry says the death toll from the attack has increased to 28, and includes British, German and Belgian nationals, the Reuters news agency reports.
German casualties unknown
Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says his government does not yet know whether Germans were among the victims of the attack.
Mr Steinmeier noted in a statement that the G7 nations assured Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi of their support in fighting terrorism when he was a guest at their summit in Germany earlier this month.
He said: "Today's attack can only strengthen us in that."
Here's a photo of Tunisia's security forces patrolling Sousse after an attack on a beach killed at least 27 people and left six wounded:
EPACopyright: EPA
Condolences
A Spanish company that owns a hotel attacked in Sousse, RIU Hotels & Resorts, has offered its condolences to the victims and their families.
Not sure about French citizens
French President Francois Hollande, speaking in Paris, said he could not confirm whether there were French people among the victims in Tunisia.
Travel firm
Here's an updated statement from UK travel firm Thomas Cook: "We can confirm that the reported hotels are not offered by Thomas Cook, and that none of our customers or staff were in residence at the time of the incident. However, we do currently have customers staying in other parts of the resort, and our experienced teams on the ground are continuing to offer every support to them and their families at this difficult time. Thomas Cook would like to extend its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected."
'Long-term menace'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reacted to the three attacks today.
"All of us must be full of grief at the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
"They are intended not only to destroy but to divide, not only to terrify but to take from us our own commitment to each other in our societies," he said in a press statement.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
"Facing such a global and long-term menace, we are called to reaffirm our solidarity with each other and affirm the great treasures of freedom," he added.
Reuters news agency say this picture shows police surrounding a man suspected to be involved in opening fire on a beachside hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse:
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Attacker 'hid machine gun'
Tunisia's Secretary of State Rafik Chelli has told local media that the gunman involved in the deadly attack on a beach resort hid his Kalashnikov machine gun under a parasol before opening fire and killing at least 27 people.
"She said there is gunfire on the beach, I said you need to find somewhere safe.
"About five minutes later she rang me in a panic saying 'they've come into the lobby'.
"At that point she started running to try and find a safe place to hide."
Gunman 'from central Tunisia'
A gunman behind the attack came from Tunisia's central Kairouan region, reports the AFP news agency.
"He is Tunisian, originally from the Kairouan region [in central Tunisia]. He is a student," Secretary of State for Security Rafik Chelly told the private Mosaique FM radio.
'Sporadic gunfire'
John Clarke, from Manchester, says he heard cracks and bangs and was told to go inside: "When we got to reception we knew it was something a bit more serious. We heard a few more cracks of fire and then we were told to go to our room. We were locked in our room, then we heard sporadic gunfire, like a gunfight - lots of bangs, lots of sirens going on."
'All quite mad'
Seventeen-year-old Johnny Brown, who was on the beach in Sousse when the attack happened, says: "We heard a couple of the gunshots but didn't see any gunmen. The hotel staff told us to get back inside quickly and we did. There were a lot of people there and they all went back into the hotel as quick as they could. It was all quite mad. We are now in our room waiting to hear any further information. We are worried about what will happen next and just want to go home."
'Came from sea'
A British tourist, named Anthony, who was about to check out of a hotel at the time, says: "We heard a few bangs and we didn't think anything of it. We thought the same. We thought it was fireworks. There was a lot of panic and running into the lobby and a lot of people came in. We eventually found a British holidaymaker that also said that they were on the beach and said that they'd seen a man or two men on a boat come in from the sea shooting."
But while he says public attention has been fixated on the "jihadi migration" from Sousse, there has also been clashes in the town.
"These neighbourhoods have been flashpoints for violence between Islamist youth and the state authorities, witnessing events such as the storming of the South Sousse police station in 2012, in which two young Salafists were killed," he wrote.
'Came on a boat'
Russian tourist Pyotr Chervonets tells the BBC Russian Service: "I am in the lobby of our hotel at the moment. We have no information. Members of staff also don't know what is happening. Beach is not fenced. Anyone can go out there, but security personnel make everyone stay in the hotel. Terrorists attacked people at the beach. They came on a boat. From the beach they ran to the Hotel Imperial Marhaba."
Share your experiences
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Martyn emailed about his family staying in Tunisia: "I've been trying to get hold of my sister and her partner over in Tunisia. I managed to get in touch with her, they are both very frightened and shocked. It happened two hotels down from them, she had been lying round the pool and heard the shots, they ran into the hotel and barricaded themselves in the room."
'Run for your life'
Amanda Roberts, from Swansea, says: "We were on the nearby beach when the attack took place. We originally heard a muffled sound and saw police on horseback. Scuffles took place, people jumping over walls and there was a sound of gun fire. Someone said 'run for your life' and we just concentrated on getting back to our hotel safely. Also, my family has sustained injuries to our feet. Luckily we were able to receive treatment from a doctor. We're feeling very shaken but at least we're still alive."
'Appalling attacks'
UK Foreign Secretary tweets:
Tourism figures
Six million foreign tourists visited Tunisia in 2013, according to the World Bank. The UK's Foreign Office says 424,000 British tourists went to the country last year.
'People screaming'
British holidaymaker Steve Johnson, who was lying on the beach in Sousse when the attack began, tells the BBC: "We were just laying on the beach as usual and low and behold we heard what we thought at first was fireworks. But it was soon pretty obvious that it wasn't fireworks, that it was firearms that were being discharged and people screaming and starting to run. Me and my friend we just said 'you know, that's guns, let's go'."
'Want to go home'
UK tourist Debbie Horsfall, from Huddersfield, tells the BBC: "I'm staying at the Belleview Park Hotel, next door from what's been happening. I was on the beach with my friend sunbathing when I heard gunfire. My friend stood up and saw a man with the gun firing. We got up and ran, but we didn't know where to go. We have only been here two days - we came on Wednesday. We went back to our room but we didn't feel safe. We just want to go home - we packed right away."
'United against terror'
UK prime minister tweets:
Eyewitness tweets
A British man in Tunisia has been tweeting about the attack:
Eyewitness describes beach scene in Sousse
Full coverage on bbc.co.uk/5live
BBC Radio 5 Live
Tunisia repercussions
Middle East analyst tweets
Get in touch
haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Graeme emailed to say: "We are here on holiday at the hotel in Tunisia. The sounds of guns being shot were frightening. I feared for my life and also family members that are with me. Really praying for our safety and also praying for the families who have lost loved ones here today."
'My son saw someone shot'
British holidaymaker Gary Pine was on the beach with his wife and son, about 150 yards away from where the attack started.
"There was confusion. No-one knew what seemed to be breaking out. My wife was shouting to my son to get out of the sea, and as he ran up the beach he said 'I just saw someone get shot'," he told BBC World TV.
"I made the stupid decision of kind of running back 20 yards to pick up my bag... It's not the best decision I think I've ever made because you could hear the bullets whizzing around us going in all kinds of different directions," Mr Pine added.
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Carol Long emailed about her daughter: "She has contacted to say they are ok but she is terrified as are a lot of people. My daughter, her husband and two young children flew to Sousse yesterday."
Thought were fireworks
A tourist from Ireland says she was on the beach in Tunisia with her two sons when she heard what she first thought were fireworks, reports the Associated Press news agency.
Elizabeth O'Brien told Ireland's RTE radio she looked about 500 meters away and saw a hot air balloon collapse, then heard rapid firing and saw two people who were going to go up in the balloon running toward her.
The blast, where no-one was hurt except for the bomber, was close to the Riadh Palms hotel.
In that incident the bomber was spotted and chased away from the hotel, blowing himself up on an empty beach.
Get in touch
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Mark had the following account from his family in Sousse: "I've just spoken to my father who is on holiday with my mother and two of their friends. They are staying at the next hotel. They were sat around the pool and were suddenly told to go inside quickly. As they did, they heard gunshots and everything went into chaos. They were all very scared. They are now being kept inside the hotel in safety. Helicopters are circling and there is a general feeling of disbelief and shock."
'Support customers'
UK travel firm Thomas Cook says: "We are currently gathering information and will provide an update as soon as possible. Our teams on the ground are offering every support to our customers and their families in the area."
There have been three attacks - in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, probably unrelated but all inspired or directed or carried out by Islamic State supporters.
In Tunisia there are two targets, western tourists and the state itself. That is probably the most dramatic of the three attacks, the highest death toll, an absolute disaster for Tunisia and tragic for the victims.
It shows that despite Tunisia's best efforts the government there has not yet got on top of western or international tourists being attacked in resorts.
Tunis doesn't have a lot of natural resources. Tourism is a major income for them and they need it.
This is the second attack in less than six months. It's going to be a hammer blow for its tourism industry.
Tourist destination
This picture from 2013 shows a typical day in the tourist resort Sousse, where gunmen attacked, killing at least 27 people:
AFPCopyright: AFP
It's popular tourist destination 140 kilometres (90 miles) south of the Tunisian capital.
'Lots of shots'
John Clarke, from Sale, Greater Manchester, who is staying next door to the affected hotel in Sousse, tells the BBC: "We've all been sent to our rooms with no information. Lots of shots about an hour ago. Lots of helicopters and sirens. Everybody is getting their information from BBC World News."
Get in touch
haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Adam: "Me and my girlfriend are in the hotel Royal Kenz, currently being told by hotel and holiday reps to stay inside. The hotel and the streets are in lockdown and medical helicopters and military helicopters are in force as well as ambulances and armed special forces. No plan of action has yet been given by the hotels or travel agencies and there are a lot of worried people here, and undoubtedly back home, waiting for answers."
Exchange of fire
Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Aroui says the police operation to catch a second gunman behind the attack on the beach resort is ongoing and the exchange of fire is continuing, reports AP. He says one gunman behind "the terrorist attack was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces".
'Je Suis #Kantaoui'
A black picture with white text saying Je Suis #Kantaoui is dominating pictures on Instagram under the hashtag #Sousse.
BBCCopyright: BBC
Kantaoui is the name of the tourist resort attacked by the gunmen.
It is reminiscent of the #JeSuisCharlie hashtag used my tweeters after an attack in Paris at the Charlie Hebdo office.
Get in touch
haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Natalie Griffiths: "Really sad to hear about these attacks today. I was in Sousse last week and stayed in the Maharba Club Hotel which is about three miles away from the Maharba Imperial. I am so shocked, and worried as one of my friends is still there. My heart goes out to the people there who have been affected and those who have been killed and their families."
Travel firm statement
UK travel firms Thomson and First Choice say in a statement: "Thomson and First Choice is aware of a suspected terrorist incident in Tunisia. We are working closely with our teams in Tunisia and the relevant authorities to determine exactly what has happened and provide assistance to those affected. More information will be released as it becomes available."
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Laura said: "Myself and six other British tourists are still in hiding. The shooting started at 11:55 and we all ran inside. We then made our way to our room. We locked ourselves in the bathroom and could hear gun shots. I've never been so scared in my life. We can now just hear sirens and helicopters and are waiting to get the all clear before we leave the room. It's very scary."
'Savage attacks'
European Council President Donald Tusk begins a news conference in Brussels with an expression of condolence for the victims: "First of all let me express our condolences and solidarity to France, Kuwait and Tunisia - which have been the victims of savage terrorist attacks."
Get in touch
haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Paul emailed to say: "We are staying at the Royal Kenz hotel. We were in the hotel pool when we heard what sounded like gunfire - lots of rapid shots - the staff then told us all to get inside. Currently we are still confined to the hotel with a helicopter circling above."
Spanish hotel
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that one of the two beachside hotels near the attack is owned by a Spanish company, says the AP news agency. Mr Rajoy said from Brussels that the attacks in Tunisia and France were both acts of terror but did not provide more details. The board of directors of RIU Hotels and Resorts was holding an emergency meeting.
Map shows location of attack
ALAMYCopyright: ALAMY
How tourism dominates Tunisia
BBC/AFPCopyright: BBC/AFP
'Appalling events'
UK Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain will do "all we can to help" in the aftermath of the "appalling events" in France and Tunisia. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Cameron said "our hearts go out to the victims" of the terrorist attacks in the two countries.
UK response
The UK government's emergency Cobra committee will meet on Friday afternoon following terror attacks in Tunisia, and France. Prime Minister David Cameron said he offered "our solidarity in fighting this evil of terrorism".
TV footage
Tunisian TV has run footage from one hotel close to the attack:
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Swimmers panic
Alan Johnston, Middle East editor
BBC News
Reports from the scene talk of swimmers and sunbathers at beachfront hotels hearing shots being fired - and then scattering in panic as the attack unfolded. Officials say the security forces shot dead one of the gunmen, and that another is being hunted.
This is the second time that Tunisia's vitally important tourism industry has been targeted in just a matter of months. More than 20 people, most of them foreign visitors, were killed in March when Islamist gunmen attacked the Bardo Museum, in Tunis.
'Mostly tourists killed'
Tunisia's Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Aroui described the victims as mostly tourists but did not give any nationalities. Local radio has said those killed were mostly German and British, the AP news agency reports.
Post update
Ireland monitoring
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs says it is not aware of any Irish casualties. A spokeswoman said: "Our embassy in Madrid and our Honorary Consul in Tunis are monitoring the situation in Sousse, Tunisia, and are providing updates."
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Tunisia dead rises to 27
Rana Jawad
BBC News
Gunmen have attacked a beach hotel at a tourist resort in Tunisia, killing at least 27 people. Officials said one of the gunmen was shot dead by the security forces, and that the other was being pursued. The attack happened in the city of Sousse, which attracts large numbers of visitors from across Europe and North Africa. This was the second armed assault on a Tunisian tourist destination in a matter of months. In March Islamist gunmen killed more than 20 people in an attack on the Bardo Museum, in the capital Tunis.
'Thought engine backfiring'
British man Alan Callaghan, from Sunderland, tells the BBC by telephone that he heard an attack on a neighbouring hotel. He says guests at the hotel swimming pool heard what they first thought was an engine backfiring, but were then sent to their rooms by hotel staff. From his room he was able to see a man with a pistol outside, but does not know if this was an attacker or a member of the security forces. He and other guests are now taking shelter in the hotel's staff quarters and have been told to wait for the all-clear. Mr Callaghan is on holiday in Tunisia and staying at the Hotel Bellevue in El Kantaoui.
Attack location
BBC North Africa correspondent tweets:
Tunisia dead rises to '19'
At least 19 people have been killed in the attack on a tourist hotel in Tunisia's resort of Sousse, an interior ministry official says, Reuters news agency reports.
'Two' Tunisia hotels attacked
Gunmen have attacked two tourists hotels in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, the interior ministry said, the AFP news agency reports.
"There are seven dead, maybe more," ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told the private Mosaique radio.
'Seven killed' in Tunisia attack
At least seven people have been killed in the attack on a tourist hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, the interior ministry has said.
'Terrorist attack' on Tunisia
An official in Tunisia's Interior Ministry has told the BBC that there was an ongoing "terrorist attack" at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel in the resort of Sousse.
Tunisia casualties
Casualties have been reported in the attack on a tourist hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, with at least one gunman killed, a security source told Reuters news agency.
'Shooting' at Tunisia hotel
An exchange of gunfire has taken place at the tourist hotel attacked by unknown men in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, a security source told Reuters news agency reports.
BreakingBreaking News
A tourist hotel has been attacked in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, news agencies report.
Costly dinner with Lupita
Janet Onyango
BBC Monitoring
Lupita is trending on twitter in Kenya as tweeters react to the news that Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o will be in the country next week.
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She will be the guest of honour at an exclusive dinner and fashion show at a hotel in support of elephant conservation. The Kenyan press and twitter commentators are unhappy that members of the public will have to pay about $1,000 (£635,00) to attend the dinner and meet her.
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Harare vendors 'defiant'
Brian Hungwe
BBC Africa, Harare
Vendors in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, have defied the deadline to vacate the streets - they have continued trading in the central business district. They insist they are not going anywhere and are prepared to face the consequences.
At a vendors registration centre, violence broke out after the vendors accused municipal authorities of corruption. They alleged that supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party were being registered and preferred for new designated areas.
Ethiopia opens space observatory
Ethiopia has opened the first space observatory in East Africa.
These two telescopes have been unveiled on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa.
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The BBC's Emmanuel Igunza says the telescopes, which cost less than $4m (£2.5m), were partly funded by a wealthy Ethiopian-Saudi businessman.
This is one of the first pictures they have captured:
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Kenya curfew lifted
Bashkas Jugsodaay
BBC Africa, Garissa
A night-time curfew in place in four Kenyan counties bordering Somalia has been officially lifted.
The killing of 148 people during an assault on Garissa University College by militant Islamist group al-Shabab in April led to the curfew being imposed.
There has been pressure from the Muslim community to lift the curfew during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when many people socialise and attend prayers in the evening.
South Africa's Ramaphosa targeted
South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party said it would continue to push for Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's prosecution, despite a commission of inquiry exonerating him over the killing of 34 striking workers at a Lonmin-owned mine in 2012.
"We shall not rest until justice is served and those responsible are sent to rot in jail, particularly Cyril Ramaphosa," the EFF said in a statement.
The commission said allegations that Mr Ramaphosa, a former Lonmin director, had a hand in police killing the miners were "groundless".
Ghana's front pages
People gather at an Accra news stand this morning:
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Among the front pages is the story of a reggae presenter who accused MPs of smoking marijuana.
Black Rasta apologised when MPs quizzed him yesterday giving the explanation that he was "on heat".
Meanwhile, Graphic Sport says some football fans in Kumasi are asking for the Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan to step down amid a sex scandal.
AU crisis talks over UK arrest
The African Union peace and security council is due to hold a special session at its headquarters in Ethiopia to discuss the arrest in the UK of Rwanda's intelligence chief Karenzi Karake, reports the BBC's Antoine Galindo from Addis Ababa.
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has condemned his arrest, saying he had been treated like an "illegal immigrant".
The UK arrested Gen Karake at the request of Spnaish authorities who want to try him on charges of genocide, war crimes and terrorism.
A London court released him on bail on Thursday, pending his extradition hearing.
South Africa goat 'raped'
BBC Monitoring
A goat died last week in South Africa after being raped and strangled, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has said.
New24 quotes the SPCA as saying that a post-mortem report confirmed that the goat was raped in Vereeniging city in Gauteng province.
A shepherd caught the alleged rapist red-handed when he heard the goat bleating frantically, police said.
Eritreans protest in Ethiopia
Emmanuel Igunza
BBC Africa, Addis Ababa
Around 500 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia are demonstrating in front of the African Union (AU) headquarters in the capital, Addis Ababa, calling on the continent's leaders to investigate human violations in their country.
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They marched chanting songs against President Isaias Afewerki and his government.
They said the African Union (AU) had not done enough to hold the government to account.
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A recent UN report said the country was ruled by fear and not the law.
The lead UN investigator in Eritrea has also called on the International Criminal Court to investigate the alleged atrocities.
Burundi poll boycott
Burundi's opposition parties say they will boycott parliamentary and presidential elections, as it was not possible to hold a fair vote following weeks of violence over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term, the AFP news agency reports.
"All the opposition have unanimously decided to boycott the elections," a letter signed by their representatives, it reports.
Parliamentary elections are due to be held on Monday, and the presidential vote on 15 July.
'Sack' South Africa police chief
Opposition parties in South Africa have called for police chief Riah Phiyega to be sacked after a commission of inquiry recommended a criminal investigation against policemen for the 2012 Marikana massacre.
"The report has plainly found that Riah Phiyega and the SAPS [South African Police Service] leadership took a decision that they knew would result in bloodshed," Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.
The Congress of the People (Cope) said Ms Phiyega could not remain in office "after the police twice misled the commission".
The killing of 34 striking workers at the Marikana mine was the deadliest police action in democratic South Africa.
President Jacob Zuma on Thursday released the findings of the commission of inquiry which investigated the killings.
Militants 'kill 50' in Somalia
Somalia's militant Islamist group al-Shabab says it killed more than 50 African Union troops during an attack on their base in Leego village, 120km (75 miles) south-west of the capital, Mogadishu.
Witnesses told the BBC that more than 30 people were killed in fighting between the two sides.
The AU force has not yet commented on casualties.
Nigeria death sentences for blasphemy
Yusuf Yakasai
BBC Africa, Kano
An Islamic court in the northern Nigerian state of Kano has sentenced nine people to death after finding them guilty of blasphemy.
They were charged last month by the religious police with insulting the Prophet Mohamed.
The head of the religious police, Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, told the BBC they pleaded guilty to the charges. It is not known if they will appeal the sentence.
Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria with a predominately Muslim population where Islamic courts operate alongside secular courts.
Rwanda spy chief 'in UK to meet MI6'
The Rwandan spy chief arrested in the UK over alleged war crimes had travelled to London to meet the head of MI6, sources have told BBC Newsnight.
But the meeting was cancelled at the last moment, according to the sources.
Karenzi Karake was arrested at Heathrow airport on Saturday under a European Arrest Warrant on behalf of authorities in Spain.
A London court released him on bail on Thursday, pending a hearing on whether he should be extradited to Spain.
'At least 30 killed' in Somalia clashes
Mohamed Moalimu
BBC Africa, Mogadishu
At least 30 people have been killed in heavy fighting between African Union (AU) troops and fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group in southern Somalia, witnesses have told me.
The two sides exchanged heavy gunfire after a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into an AU base, and militants then stormed it in Leego village, 120km (75 miles) south-west of the capital Mogadishu, villages said.
The shooting has subsided, with the militants taking away weapons and the corpses of their dead colleagues, they added.
The gunmen have also set vehicles ablaze, villages said.
Wise words
Today's African proverb is: One frog can ruin everyone's water. A Luo proverb sent by Ronald Ogwal, Uganda.
Live Reporting
Clare Spencer, Farouk Chothia, Nigel Pankhurst, Roland Hughes and Hugo Williams
All times stated are UK
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- Tunisia's health ministry says at least 37 people are dead, mostly foreigners, with 36 people injured
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Latest PostRecap on main developments
Just to recap:
That brings to an end our live coverage following the attack on a beach in the Tunisian resort of Sousse. Thank you for joining us.
UK says travel advice 'appropriate'
UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond says he was satisfied that travel advice to Tunisia had been sufficient, after a British woman was among 23 people killed in an attack on a museum in Tunis three months ago.
He said: "Of course an incident like this can occur anywhere. I'm confident that the travel advice we set was appropriate, but we are now of course reviewing that and we'll look at all the facts overnight. We'll discuss again in the Cobra meeting tomorrow morning whether we need to change our travel advice from what it is at the moment - we'll keep it under constant review."
'Everyone's confused and in shock'
More British holidaymakers have been talking about their experiences. Kelsie Collins, 24, of Pontypridd, who is staying at the Sahara Beach Resort near the seafront, says her family have been told to stay in their hotel room: "There's mostly Brits here in the hotel, but nobody is really saying anything to each other, everyone's confused and in shock."
Stacey Webb, 23, from Barry, says she was locked in a bathroom with seven others following the shooting: "I have never been more scared in my life but I hope God is with me."
White House condemns attacks
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest says: "The United States condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of these heinous attacks, their loved ones, and the people of all three countries. Terrorism has no place in any society, and the United States will continue to work closely with our international partners to combat terrorist actors and counter violent extremism around the globe."
Cameron: Heart with UK families
'It's just crazy'
BBC News spoke to David Schofield, a British tourist in Sousse who was still in his hotel room several hours after being ordered to stay there in the wake of the attack.
He said: "To have this happen two minutes' walk behind where you are lying on a sun lounger and jumping in and out of the pool...then all of a sudden , hearing a grenade - it's just crazy."
'Situation on the ground confused'
More from UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who says the "situation on the ground is somewhat confused" and the Foreign Office "cannot be sure exactly how many" Britons are involved.
However, he said families had notified the Foreign Office of the deaths of five Britons and "we must expect more reports of fatalities".
Mr Hammond said the FCO had a consular team on the ground and two additional rapid response teams were on the way.
He said the government was working with the Tunisian authorities, the German authorities and he had held a conference call with British tour operators.
Irish woman killed
The BBC has received confirmation that, as well as at least five Britons, one Irish woman died in the attack.
Irish politician Ray Butler said he had spoken to the woman's husband, who confirmed her death.
He said the couple had been given the holiday as a gift by a relative after her husband recovered from heart surgery recently.
For more, read here.
Israeli reaction
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Friday's attacks show that the world is locked in a struggle against "dark forces", reports The Times of Israel. He said: "The brutal murders in France, Tunisia and Kuwait again underscore that the enlightened world is struggling against dark forces.
He said: "The fight against the murderous terrorism of extremist Islam requires unity, the beginning of which is the unequivocal condemnation of the murderers and those who support them."
Tunisia denies under-35s travel ban
The Tunisian Interior Ministry has denied reports that people under age of 35 are being prevented from leaving the country after the deadly attack at Sousse, reports the privately-owned Shems FM.
An earlier report by Shems FM quoting a security source at the Tunis-Carthage airport, said that he was stopping Tunisians under 35 from boarding planes, on the instructions of the interior ministry.
Eyewitness describes moment she had to run for her life
BBC Radio 5 Live
Amanda Roberts from Swansea in south Wales is on holiday in Sousse with six members of her family: "We were told to run a few seconds before we heard gunfire...we were running for our lives. We left all our possessions and we ran barefooted. Myself and my daughter are dealing with severe burns on our feet..but thank god we are alive".
Full coverage bbc.co.uk/5live
BreakingBreaking News
At least five Britons are among the dead after the attack in Tunisia, British foreign secretary Philip Hammond has said.
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".
Reports of victims' nationalities
Frederic Bobin, Le Monde's north Africa correspondent, says some of the victims were from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Norway and Ukraine.
He also said grenades were thrown and that the gunman was able to continue his attack for around 30 minutes.
'He took a bullet for me'
Woman's husband 'shot in front of her'
Olivia Leathley, 24, from Manchester in northwest England, told the British PA agency that one woman said her husband had been shot in the stomach in front of her.
She said the woman was "dragged away by hotel reps trying to get her to safety but she was a complete mess. She was in hysterics.''
She added: "All she said was that he'd been shot and that he was there bleeding on the beach and he was just saying, 'I love you I love you,' and then his eyes rolled back into his head.''
Who could be behind Sousse assault?
No group has so far said it carried out the deadly attack in the Tunisian resort town of Sousse, which killed at least 37 people.
The BBC's Naziru Mikailu considers the likeliest suspects. Click here for the full piece.
One witness speaks
BBC News spoke to one tourist in Sousse soon after the shootings took place. Steve Johnson, a British tourist had this to say:
Map of scene of attack
Just to remind you where the attacks took place - they were at two hotels within walking distance of the sea near Port el Kantaoui.
More on British casualties
To follow separate developments on British nationals killed in Tunisia, turn to our piece here.
Are attacks linked?
In one day, there were three significant attacks in three countries - Tunisia, Kuwait and France. Could all three be linked in any way? Here is our conclusion.
Interpol aid offer
The international police agency Interpol is offering its investigative help to Tunisia, France, Kuwait and Somalia after separate terrorist attacks that have killed more than 80 people, AP news agency reports.
British casualties
Iain Watson
Political correspondent, BBC News
Sources at the UK Foreign Office say a number of Britons are thought to have died in the attack in Tunisia.
Inside the Imperial Marhaba hotel
We are getting more images of the damage at the hotels after the shootings - these are all from the Imperial Marhaba hotel.
Attack aftermath
BBC North Africa correspondent tweets from the scene:
'Resolve strengthened'
UN chief Ban Ki-moon believes the attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France will only strengthen the commitment of the world body to "help defeat those bent on murder, destruction and the annihilation of human development and culture", UN spokesman Farhan Haq said, Reuters news agency reports.
Islamic State links?
Johnathan Russell, from the London-based counter-extremism think tank the Quilliam Foundation, believes the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait may all have links to jihadist group Islamic State.
He told the BBC: "It's unclear at this stage whether there's command and control centrally. I would tend to doubt it. However, it seems in terms of inspiration and in terms of motivation there is a link."
Death toll 'rises to 37'
According to Tunisian radio, the health minister says the death toll has risen to 37, with 36 wounded, the AP news agency reports.
UK travel advice
Here's updated UK Foreign Office travel advice to Tunisia: "Gunmen attacked the Imperial Hotel and Hotel Club Riu Bellevue at Port El Kantaoui, near Sousse, earlier today. A number of people have been killed and injured. A British Embassy crisis team is on its way to the area.
"Some attackers may still be at large. Any British nationals in these hotels or nearby should remain indoors, and contact their tour operator and the Foreign Office on the hotline number. For security reasons they should not advertise their location on social media or when speaking to journalists."
'Heinous' attacks
The White House has condemned the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait as "heinous".
"We stand with these nations as they respond to attacks on their soil today and we have been in contact with appropriate counterparts in all three countries to offer any necessary support," a statement said.
Irish casualties
Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs says he is not in a position to exclude the possibility of other Irish fatalities in Tunisia.
Charlie Flanagan says there were a number of Irish families in the area of the shooting.
One woman, believed to be from County Meath, has been confirmed dead.
Return flights
German tour operator TUI says it is organising flights for tourists wishing to return from Tunisia.
Share your story
haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
David wrote to tell us: "I am writing from the Royal Kenz hotel in Tunisia. My girlfriend and I were sunbathing by the pool and we were told to get inside quickly. On route inside we heard an explosion. It is now 15.56 and we have received no further information. The Thomson reps haven't been informed of anything from head office and therefore we have no information as to what is going on."
Coincidence or co-ordinated?
A Pentagon spokesman says it is too early to say if the attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France were co-ordinated, reports the Associated Press news agency.
President visits survivors
Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has visited some of the survivors in hospital:
He called for a unified global strategy against Islamist extremists.
He said: "We note that Tunisia faces an international movement. It cannot respond alone to this. On the same day, at the same time, France has been the target of such an operation, and Kuwait too. This proves the need for a global strategy, and that all democratic countries must now join forces.
"This is worse than terrible. We thought we were protected from that. I hope this is the last time, because we are determined to take the most painful measures to deal with an even more painful scourge."
Egyptian reaction
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi condemned the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
"Egypt affirms that it stands with those countries that suffer from the scourge of terrorism and expresses its full support for their efforts in their war against terrorism and extremism, which knows no boundaries or religions," he said.
Three attacks
The attack on the beach was just one of three today. There is no evidence they are connected, but you can find out more about each here.
Cancelling vacations
German tour operators say they are offering people booked to Tunisia in the coming weeks the chance to cancel their vacations or change their destination for free.
They add that they will work to bring home people who want to leave the country early.
Hotel guests retreat inside
Security forces are guarding the front door of the Imperial hotel in Sousse:
They are also carrying out patrols outside:
Meanwhile, guests are gathering in the lobby as they come to terms with the attack:
'Most victims European'
Hotel management say most of the guests attacked were British and other Europeans, reports the AFP news agency.
'Extremists feel disenfranchised'
Afzal Ashraf, a consultant fellow in international diplomacy at the London-based Royal United Services Insitute, says: "Tunisia, of course, is one of those countries that is regarded as a bit of a success as a result of the Arab Spring. And so it's one of the most moderate regimes to emerge from that upheaval - and what that means is that the extremists within that country feel disenfranchised; they feel that they've lost out and they want to hit out and try to discredit and destroy this state."
Spanish terror threat level
Spain raises its terror threat level to the second highest as a precautionary measure following attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
Diplomatic team travelling
The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued this statement:
"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."
Political stability vital
The head of the European Commission, Donald Tusk, says political stability in Tunisia is also vital for Europe.
"I believe that it is not accidental that Tunisia is among the countries attacked by terrorists," he told reporters in Brussels.
He said Tunisia is one of the few countries in the region that gives hope for stability, albeit "very sensitive" stability.
"I am Sousse"
People in Sousse are condemning the suicide attack by sharing this picture on Instagram:
It translates as "I am Sousse".
Earlier we mentioned people are also posting an image saying "Je Suis Kantaoui", reminiscent of the #JeSuisCharlie hashtag used by tweeters after an attack at the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris in January.
'All we could think was we're next'
BBC Radio 5 Live
Holidaymaker Debbie Horsfall from Huddersfield was on the beach in Sousse when her friend at the hotel next door said she saw a "guy with a massive gun" and "everybody just ran".
Hiding in the hotel Ms Horsfall said she saw a woman run into the lobby whose husband had been shot in the stomach.
'All we could think of was we're next'
Emergency meeting
UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond arrives at Downing Street for a meeting of the government's emergency committee Cobra.
Holidaymakers' welfare
UK travel industry body Abta says: "We estimate there are approximately 20,000 customers currently on holiday with Abta members in Tunisia but there will also be a number of holidaymakers who have travelled independently. The situation is still developing and we are liaising with our members, the Tunisian authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office concerning the welfare of holidaymakers in Tunisia and the most appropriate actions to take."
Acting alone
Tunisia's Interior Ministry says the gunman killed by police was acting alone when he attacked a beach resort in Sousse, killing at least 28 people and wounding 36, reports the AFP news agency.
The Interior Ministry had previously said two attackers were involved, including one who had fled the scene.
'Panic and pandemonium'
Jim Muir
BBC News, Tunis
There was panic and pandemonium on the beach as at least one gunman suddenly opened fire on sunbathers and then stormed towards one of the luxury hotels spraying holidaymakers with bullets.
Television footage showed a number of casualties in swimsuits lying still on the sand or being carried out on stretchers by rescuers.
Security officials said one attacker, who had posed as a swimmer but was carrying a rifle under his sun umbrella, was shot dead in an exchange of fire with police. A security sweep is under way to ensure that the area is safe.
Sunbathing as the gunfire began
Foreign tourists were relaxing on the beach when gunmen launched a deadly attack at Tunisia's Sousse resort. Here are some of their eyewitness accounts as the attack began.
Irish woman killed
An Irish woman is understood to be among the 28 victims killed, an Irish government source has confirmed.
Why is Tunisia vulnerable?
Tunisia has become increasingly vulnerable to attacks since the collapse of neighbouring Libya, writes the BBC's Aidan Lewis.
Tourism 'blow'
A terror expert says the attack at a Tunisian beach resort should "probably be seen as an attempt to destabilize the economy as well as the wider political situation in Tunisia".
Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchins, from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization at King's College London, said similar attacks had earlier damaged tourism in Egypt and Kenya.
"We have people relaxing on the beach on their holidays being murdered - that is not going to help the attempts by the Tunisian tourist industry to get people to come to the country."
Hotel lockdown
Adam O'Brien is currently on lockdown in a hotel near Sousse, waiting for news on leaving Tunisia.
He said: "My girlfriend and I are in the hotel Royal Kenz. We're currently being told by the hotel and holiday reps to stay inside. The hotel and the streets are in lockdown and medical and military helicopters are in force as well as ambulances and armed special forces."
Aftermath
Pictures are coming in of the aftermath of the attack in Sousse with crowds looking at the bodies of some of those killed:
Numbers of wounded
Tunisian state television quotes the Interior Ministry as saying that 36 people have been wounded in the attack, reports the AP news agency.
Death toll rises to 28
The Tunisian Health Ministry says the death toll from the attack has increased to 28, and includes British, German and Belgian nationals, the Reuters news agency reports.
German casualties unknown
Germany's Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier says his government does not yet know whether Germans were among the victims of the attack.
Mr Steinmeier noted in a statement that the G7 nations assured Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi of their support in fighting terrorism when he was a guest at their summit in Germany earlier this month.
He said: "Today's attack can only strengthen us in that."
'Woman killed'
The Independent in Ireland reports that an Irish woman is among those killed.
Security patrol
Here's a photo of Tunisia's security forces patrolling Sousse after an attack on a beach killed at least 27 people and left six wounded:
Condolences
A Spanish company that owns a hotel attacked in Sousse, RIU Hotels & Resorts, has offered its condolences to the victims and their families.
Not sure about French citizens
French President Francois Hollande, speaking in Paris, said he could not confirm whether there were French people among the victims in Tunisia.
Travel firm
Here's an updated statement from UK travel firm Thomas Cook: "We can confirm that the reported hotels are not offered by Thomas Cook, and that none of our customers or staff were in residence at the time of the incident. However, we do currently have customers staying in other parts of the resort, and our experienced teams on the ground are continuing to offer every support to them and their families at this difficult time. Thomas Cook would like to extend its most sincere condolences to the family and friends of those affected."
'Long-term menace'
The Archbishop of Canterbury has reacted to the three attacks today.
"All of us must be full of grief at the attacks in Tunisia, France and Kuwait.
"They are intended not only to destroy but to divide, not only to terrify but to take from us our own commitment to each other in our societies," he said in a press statement.
"Facing such a global and long-term menace, we are called to reaffirm our solidarity with each other and affirm the great treasures of freedom," he added.
Reporting from Tunisia
Watch the BBC's Rana Jawad report on the attack.
Police 'surround' suspect
Reuters news agency say this picture shows police surrounding a man suspected to be involved in opening fire on a beachside hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse:
Attacker 'hid machine gun'
Tunisia's Secretary of State Rafik Chelli has told local media that the gunman involved in the deadly attack on a beach resort hid his Kalashnikov machine gun under a parasol before opening fire and killing at least 27 people.
Father's phone call
Glenn Leathley describes the moment he got a phone call from his daughter, Olivia, who was staying at the hotel where gunmen attacked.
"She said there is gunfire on the beach, I said you need to find somewhere safe.
"About five minutes later she rang me in a panic saying 'they've come into the lobby'.
"At that point she started running to try and find a safe place to hide."
Gunman 'from central Tunisia'
A gunman behind the attack came from Tunisia's central Kairouan region, reports the AFP news agency.
"He is Tunisian, originally from the Kairouan region [in central Tunisia]. He is a student," Secretary of State for Security Rafik Chelly told the private Mosaique FM radio.
'Sporadic gunfire'
John Clarke, from Manchester, says he heard cracks and bangs and was told to go inside: "When we got to reception we knew it was something a bit more serious. We heard a few more cracks of fire and then we were told to go to our room. We were locked in our room, then we heard sporadic gunfire, like a gunfight - lots of bangs, lots of sirens going on."
'All quite mad'
Seventeen-year-old Johnny Brown, who was on the beach in Sousse when the attack happened, says: "We heard a couple of the gunshots but didn't see any gunmen. The hotel staff told us to get back inside quickly and we did. There were a lot of people there and they all went back into the hotel as quick as they could. It was all quite mad. We are now in our room waiting to hear any further information. We are worried about what will happen next and just want to go home."
'Came from sea'
A British tourist, named Anthony, who was about to check out of a hotel at the time, says: "We heard a few bangs and we didn't think anything of it. We thought the same. We thought it was fireworks. There was a lot of panic and running into the lobby and a lot of people came in. We eventually found a British holidaymaker that also said that they were on the beach and said that they'd seen a man or two men on a boat come in from the sea shooting."
Identity of attacker
AFP news agency tweets:
Sousse 'supplies militant Islamists'
Sousse has long been "a supplier of self-declared jihadists" to Syria and Iraq, according to Mohammed al-Mukhtar Ahmed, who wrote this for al-Jazeera in 2014.
But while he says public attention has been fixated on the "jihadi migration" from Sousse, there has also been clashes in the town.
"These neighbourhoods have been flashpoints for violence between Islamist youth and the state authorities, witnessing events such as the storming of the South Sousse police station in 2012, in which two young Salafists were killed," he wrote.
'Came on a boat'
Russian tourist Pyotr Chervonets tells the BBC Russian Service: "I am in the lobby of our hotel at the moment. We have no information. Members of staff also don't know what is happening. Beach is not fenced. Anyone can go out there, but security personnel make everyone stay in the hotel. Terrorists attacked people at the beach. They came on a boat. From the beach they ran to the Hotel Imperial Marhaba."
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Martyn emailed about his family staying in Tunisia: "I've been trying to get hold of my sister and her partner over in Tunisia. I managed to get in touch with her, they are both very frightened and shocked. It happened two hotels down from them, she had been lying round the pool and heard the shots, they ran into the hotel and barricaded themselves in the room."
'Run for your life'
Amanda Roberts, from Swansea, says: "We were on the nearby beach when the attack took place. We originally heard a muffled sound and saw police on horseback. Scuffles took place, people jumping over walls and there was a sound of gun fire. Someone said 'run for your life' and we just concentrated on getting back to our hotel safely. Also, my family has sustained injuries to our feet. Luckily we were able to receive treatment from a doctor. We're feeling very shaken but at least we're still alive."
'Appalling attacks'
UK Foreign Secretary tweets:
Tourism figures
Six million foreign tourists visited Tunisia in 2013, according to the World Bank. The UK's Foreign Office says 424,000 British tourists went to the country last year.
'People screaming'
British holidaymaker Steve Johnson, who was lying on the beach in Sousse when the attack began, tells the BBC: "We were just laying on the beach as usual and low and behold we heard what we thought at first was fireworks. But it was soon pretty obvious that it wasn't fireworks, that it was firearms that were being discharged and people screaming and starting to run. Me and my friend we just said 'you know, that's guns, let's go'."
'Want to go home'
UK tourist Debbie Horsfall, from Huddersfield, tells the BBC: "I'm staying at the Belleview Park Hotel, next door from what's been happening. I was on the beach with my friend sunbathing when I heard gunfire. My friend stood up and saw a man with the gun firing. We got up and ran, but we didn't know where to go. We have only been here two days - we came on Wednesday. We went back to our room but we didn't feel safe. We just want to go home - we packed right away."
'United against terror'
UK prime minister tweets:
Eyewitness tweets
A British man in Tunisia has been tweeting about the attack:
Eyewitness describes beach scene in Sousse
Full coverage on bbc.co.uk/5live
BBC Radio 5 Live
Tunisia repercussions
Middle East analyst tweets
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haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Graeme emailed to say: "We are here on holiday at the hotel in Tunisia. The sounds of guns being shot were frightening. I feared for my life and also family members that are with me. Really praying for our safety and also praying for the families who have lost loved ones here today."
'My son saw someone shot'
British holidaymaker Gary Pine was on the beach with his wife and son, about 150 yards away from where the attack started.
"There was confusion. No-one knew what seemed to be breaking out. My wife was shouting to my son to get out of the sea, and as he ran up the beach he said 'I just saw someone get shot'," he told BBC World TV.
"I made the stupid decision of kind of running back 20 yards to pick up my bag... It's not the best decision I think I've ever made because you could hear the bullets whizzing around us going in all kinds of different directions," Mr Pine added.
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Carol Long emailed about her daughter: "She has contacted to say they are ok but she is terrified as are a lot of people. My daughter, her husband and two young children flew to Sousse yesterday."
Thought were fireworks
A tourist from Ireland says she was on the beach in Tunisia with her two sons when she heard what she first thought were fireworks, reports the Associated Press news agency.
Elizabeth O'Brien told Ireland's RTE radio she looked about 500 meters away and saw a hot air balloon collapse, then heard rapid firing and saw two people who were going to go up in the balloon running toward her.
History of Sousse suicide blasts
A previous suicide bomb attempt in Sousse was foiled in October 2013.
The blast, where no-one was hurt except for the bomber, was close to the Riadh Palms hotel.
In that incident the bomber was spotted and chased away from the hotel, blowing himself up on an empty beach.
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Mark had the following account from his family in Sousse: "I've just spoken to my father who is on holiday with my mother and two of their friends. They are staying at the next hotel. They were sat around the pool and were suddenly told to go inside quickly. As they did, they heard gunshots and everything went into chaos. They were all very scared. They are now being kept inside the hotel in safety. Helicopters are circling and there is a general feeling of disbelief and shock."
'Support customers'
UK travel firm Thomas Cook says: "We are currently gathering information and will provide an update as soon as possible. Our teams on the ground are offering every support to our customers and their families in the area."
'Hammer blow' for Tunisia
Frank Gardner
BBC security correspondent
There have been three attacks - in Tunisia, France and Kuwait, probably unrelated but all inspired or directed or carried out by Islamic State supporters.
In Tunisia there are two targets, western tourists and the state itself. That is probably the most dramatic of the three attacks, the highest death toll, an absolute disaster for Tunisia and tragic for the victims.
It shows that despite Tunisia's best efforts the government there has not yet got on top of western or international tourists being attacked in resorts.
Tunis doesn't have a lot of natural resources. Tourism is a major income for them and they need it.
This is the second attack in less than six months. It's going to be a hammer blow for its tourism industry.
Tourist destination
This picture from 2013 shows a typical day in the tourist resort Sousse, where gunmen attacked, killing at least 27 people:
It's popular tourist destination 140 kilometres (90 miles) south of the Tunisian capital.
'Lots of shots'
John Clarke, from Sale, Greater Manchester, who is staying next door to the affected hotel in Sousse, tells the BBC: "We've all been sent to our rooms with no information. Lots of shots about an hour ago. Lots of helicopters and sirens. Everybody is getting their information from BBC World News."
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Adam: "Me and my girlfriend are in the hotel Royal Kenz, currently being told by hotel and holiday reps to stay inside. The hotel and the streets are in lockdown and medical helicopters and military helicopters are in force as well as ambulances and armed special forces. No plan of action has yet been given by the hotels or travel agencies and there are a lot of worried people here, and undoubtedly back home, waiting for answers."
Exchange of fire
Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Aroui says the police operation to catch a second gunman behind the attack on the beach resort is ongoing and the exchange of fire is continuing, reports AP. He says one gunman behind "the terrorist attack was killed during an exchange of fire with security forces".
'Je Suis #Kantaoui'
A black picture with white text saying Je Suis #Kantaoui is dominating pictures on Instagram under the hashtag #Sousse.
Kantaoui is the name of the tourist resort attacked by the gunmen.
It is reminiscent of the #JeSuisCharlie hashtag used my tweeters after an attack in Paris at the Charlie Hebdo office.
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Natalie Griffiths: "Really sad to hear about these attacks today. I was in Sousse last week and stayed in the Maharba Club Hotel which is about three miles away from the Maharba Imperial. I am so shocked, and worried as one of my friends is still there. My heart goes out to the people there who have been affected and those who have been killed and their families."
Travel firm statement
UK travel firms Thomson and First Choice say in a statement: "Thomson and First Choice is aware of a suspected terrorist incident in Tunisia. We are working closely with our teams in Tunisia and the relevant authorities to determine exactly what has happened and provide assistance to those affected. More information will be released as it becomes available."
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Laura said: "Myself and six other British tourists are still in hiding. The shooting started at 11:55 and we all ran inside. We then made our way to our room. We locked ourselves in the bathroom and could hear gun shots. I've never been so scared in my life. We can now just hear sirens and helicopters and are waiting to get the all clear before we leave the room. It's very scary."
'Savage attacks'
European Council President Donald Tusk begins a news conference in Brussels with an expression of condolence for the victims: "First of all let me express our condolences and solidarity to France, Kuwait and Tunisia - which have been the victims of savage terrorist attacks."
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Paul emailed to say: "We are staying at the Royal Kenz hotel. We were in the hotel pool when we heard what sounded like gunfire - lots of rapid shots - the staff then told us all to get inside. Currently we are still confined to the hotel with a helicopter circling above."
Spanish hotel
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has confirmed that one of the two beachside hotels near the attack is owned by a Spanish company, says the AP news agency. Mr Rajoy said from Brussels that the attacks in Tunisia and France were both acts of terror but did not provide more details. The board of directors of RIU Hotels and Resorts was holding an emergency meeting.
Map shows location of attack
How tourism dominates Tunisia
'Appalling events'
UK Prime Minister David Cameron says Britain will do "all we can to help" in the aftermath of the "appalling events" in France and Tunisia. Speaking in Brussels, Mr Cameron said "our hearts go out to the victims" of the terrorist attacks in the two countries.
UK response
The UK government's emergency Cobra committee will meet on Friday afternoon following terror attacks in Tunisia, and France. Prime Minister David Cameron said he offered "our solidarity in fighting this evil of terrorism".
TV footage
Tunisian TV has run footage from one hotel close to the attack:
Swimmers panic
Alan Johnston, Middle East editor
BBC News
Reports from the scene talk of swimmers and sunbathers at beachfront hotels hearing shots being fired - and then scattering in panic as the attack unfolded. Officials say the security forces shot dead one of the gunmen, and that another is being hunted.
This is the second time that Tunisia's vitally important tourism industry has been targeted in just a matter of months. More than 20 people, most of them foreign visitors, were killed in March when Islamist gunmen attacked the Bardo Museum, in Tunis.
'Mostly tourists killed'
Tunisia's Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Aroui described the victims as mostly tourists but did not give any nationalities. Local radio has said those killed were mostly German and British, the AP news agency reports.
Post update
Ireland monitoring
Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs says it is not aware of any Irish casualties. A spokeswoman said: "Our embassy in Madrid and our Honorary Consul in Tunis are monitoring the situation in Sousse, Tunisia, and are providing updates."
Get in touch
Email: haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Are you in Sousse? Did you or anyone you know hear or see the attacks? If it is safe for you to do so please get in touch.
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Tunisia dead rises to 27
Rana Jawad
BBC News
Gunmen have attacked a beach hotel at a tourist resort in Tunisia, killing at least 27 people. Officials said one of the gunmen was shot dead by the security forces, and that the other was being pursued. The attack happened in the city of Sousse, which attracts large numbers of visitors from across Europe and North Africa. This was the second armed assault on a Tunisian tourist destination in a matter of months. In March Islamist gunmen killed more than 20 people in an attack on the Bardo Museum, in the capital Tunis.
'Thought engine backfiring'
British man Alan Callaghan, from Sunderland, tells the BBC by telephone that he heard an attack on a neighbouring hotel. He says guests at the hotel swimming pool heard what they first thought was an engine backfiring, but were then sent to their rooms by hotel staff. From his room he was able to see a man with a pistol outside, but does not know if this was an attacker or a member of the security forces. He and other guests are now taking shelter in the hotel's staff quarters and have been told to wait for the all-clear. Mr Callaghan is on holiday in Tunisia and staying at the Hotel Bellevue in El Kantaoui.
Attack location
BBC North Africa correspondent tweets:
Tunisia dead rises to '19'
At least 19 people have been killed in the attack on a tourist hotel in Tunisia's resort of Sousse, an interior ministry official says, Reuters news agency reports.
'Two' Tunisia hotels attacked
Gunmen have attacked two tourists hotels in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, the interior ministry said, the AFP news agency reports.
"There are seven dead, maybe more," ministry spokesman Mohamed Ali Aroui told the private Mosaique radio.
'Seven killed' in Tunisia attack
At least seven people have been killed in the attack on a tourist hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, the interior ministry has said.
'Terrorist attack' on Tunisia
An official in Tunisia's Interior Ministry has told the BBC that there was an ongoing "terrorist attack" at the Imperial Marhaba Hotel in the resort of Sousse.
Tunisia casualties
Casualties have been reported in the attack on a tourist hotel in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, with at least one gunman killed, a security source told Reuters news agency.
'Shooting' at Tunisia hotel
An exchange of gunfire has taken place at the tourist hotel attacked by unknown men in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, a security source told Reuters news agency reports.
BreakingBreaking News
A tourist hotel has been attacked in the Tunisian resort of Sousse, news agencies report.
Costly dinner with Lupita
Janet Onyango
BBC Monitoring
Lupita is trending on twitter in Kenya as tweeters react to the news that Oscar-winning Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o will be in the country next week.
She will be the guest of honour at an exclusive dinner and fashion show at a hotel in support of elephant conservation. The Kenyan press and twitter commentators are unhappy that members of the public will have to pay about $1,000 (£635,00) to attend the dinner and meet her.
Harare vendors 'defiant'
Brian Hungwe
BBC Africa, Harare
Vendors in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, have defied the deadline to vacate the streets - they have continued trading in the central business district. They insist they are not going anywhere and are prepared to face the consequences.
At a vendors registration centre, violence broke out after the vendors accused municipal authorities of corruption. They alleged that supporters of the ruling Zanu-PF party were being registered and preferred for new designated areas.
Ethiopia opens space observatory
Ethiopia has opened the first space observatory in East Africa.
These two telescopes have been unveiled on the outskirts of the capital, Addis Ababa.
The BBC's Emmanuel Igunza says the telescopes, which cost less than $4m (£2.5m), were partly funded by a wealthy Ethiopian-Saudi businessman.
This is one of the first pictures they have captured:
Kenya curfew lifted
Bashkas Jugsodaay
BBC Africa, Garissa
A night-time curfew in place in four Kenyan counties bordering Somalia has been officially lifted.
The killing of 148 people during an assault on Garissa University College by militant Islamist group al-Shabab in April led to the curfew being imposed.
There has been pressure from the Muslim community to lift the curfew during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when many people socialise and attend prayers in the evening.
South Africa's Ramaphosa targeted
South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party said it would continue to push for Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's prosecution, despite a commission of inquiry exonerating him over the killing of 34 striking workers at a Lonmin-owned mine in 2012.
"We shall not rest until justice is served and those responsible are sent to rot in jail, particularly Cyril Ramaphosa," the EFF said in a statement.
The commission said allegations that Mr Ramaphosa, a former Lonmin director, had a hand in police killing the miners were "groundless".
Ghana's front pages
People gather at an Accra news stand this morning:
Among the front pages is the story of a reggae presenter who accused MPs of smoking marijuana.
Black Rasta apologised when MPs quizzed him yesterday giving the explanation that he was "on heat".
Meanwhile, Graphic Sport says some football fans in Kumasi are asking for the Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan to step down amid a sex scandal.
AU crisis talks over UK arrest
The African Union peace and security council is due to hold a special session at its headquarters in Ethiopia to discuss the arrest in the UK of Rwanda's intelligence chief Karenzi Karake, reports the BBC's Antoine Galindo from Addis Ababa.
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has condemned his arrest, saying he had been treated like an "illegal immigrant".
The UK arrested Gen Karake at the request of Spnaish authorities who want to try him on charges of genocide, war crimes and terrorism.
A London court released him on bail on Thursday, pending his extradition hearing.
South Africa goat 'raped'
BBC Monitoring
A goat died last week in South Africa after being raped and strangled, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has said.
New24 quotes the SPCA as saying that a post-mortem report confirmed that the goat was raped in Vereeniging city in Gauteng province.
A shepherd caught the alleged rapist red-handed when he heard the goat bleating frantically, police said.
Eritreans protest in Ethiopia
Emmanuel Igunza
BBC Africa, Addis Ababa
Around 500 Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia are demonstrating in front of the African Union (AU) headquarters in the capital, Addis Ababa, calling on the continent's leaders to investigate human violations in their country.
They marched chanting songs against President Isaias Afewerki and his government.
They said the African Union (AU) had not done enough to hold the government to account.
A recent UN report said the country was ruled by fear and not the law.
The lead UN investigator in Eritrea has also called on the International Criminal Court to investigate the alleged atrocities.
Burundi poll boycott
Burundi's opposition parties say they will boycott parliamentary and presidential elections, as it was not possible to hold a fair vote following weeks of violence over President Pierre Nkurunziza's bid for a third term, the AFP news agency reports.
"All the opposition have unanimously decided to boycott the elections," a letter signed by their representatives, it reports.
Parliamentary elections are due to be held on Monday, and the presidential vote on 15 July.
'Sack' South Africa police chief
Opposition parties in South Africa have called for police chief Riah Phiyega to be sacked after a commission of inquiry recommended a criminal investigation against policemen for the 2012 Marikana massacre.
"The report has plainly found that Riah Phiyega and the SAPS [South African Police Service] leadership took a decision that they knew would result in bloodshed," Democratic Alliance leader Mmusi Maimane said in a statement.
The Congress of the People (Cope) said Ms Phiyega could not remain in office "after the police twice misled the commission".
The killing of 34 striking workers at the Marikana mine was the deadliest police action in democratic South Africa.
President Jacob Zuma on Thursday released the findings of the commission of inquiry which investigated the killings.
Militants 'kill 50' in Somalia
Somalia's militant Islamist group al-Shabab says it killed more than 50 African Union troops during an attack on their base in Leego village, 120km (75 miles) south-west of the capital, Mogadishu.
Witnesses told the BBC that more than 30 people were killed in fighting between the two sides.
The AU force has not yet commented on casualties.
Nigeria death sentences for blasphemy
Yusuf Yakasai
BBC Africa, Kano
An Islamic court in the northern Nigerian state of Kano has sentenced nine people to death after finding them guilty of blasphemy.
They were charged last month by the religious police with insulting the Prophet Mohamed.
The head of the religious police, Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, told the BBC they pleaded guilty to the charges. It is not known if they will appeal the sentence.
Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria with a predominately Muslim population where Islamic courts operate alongside secular courts.
Rwanda spy chief 'in UK to meet MI6'
The Rwandan spy chief arrested in the UK over alleged war crimes had travelled to London to meet the head of MI6, sources have told BBC Newsnight.
But the meeting was cancelled at the last moment, according to the sources.
Karenzi Karake was arrested at Heathrow airport on Saturday under a European Arrest Warrant on behalf of authorities in Spain.
He is accused by Spain of ordering massacres in Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide there.
A London court released him on bail on Thursday, pending a hearing on whether he should be extradited to Spain.
'At least 30 killed' in Somalia clashes
Mohamed Moalimu
BBC Africa, Mogadishu
At least 30 people have been killed in heavy fighting between African Union (AU) troops and fighters from the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group in southern Somalia, witnesses have told me.
The two sides exchanged heavy gunfire after a suicide bomber rammed his vehicle into an AU base, and militants then stormed it in Leego village, 120km (75 miles) south-west of the capital Mogadishu, villages said.
The shooting has subsided, with the militants taking away weapons and the corpses of their dead colleagues, they added.
The gunmen have also set vehicles ablaze, villages said.
Wise words
Today's African proverb is: One frog can ruin everyone's water. A Luo proverb sent by Ronald Ogwal, Uganda.
Click here to send us your African proverbs.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to Friday's BBC Africa Live page where we'll be keeping you up-to-date with the news on the continent.