Jihadist gunmen launch grenade and shooting rampage in hotel and take 170 guests and staff hostage in Mali.

Armed jihadists have gone on a deadly shooting rampage inside the Radisson Blu hotel (pictured) in the centre of Bamako, Mali

Armed jihadists have gone on a deadly shooting rampage and taken 170 hostages at the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, Mali.  

Automatic weapons fire has been heard on the seventh floor of the 190-room hotel, where it is thought three militants have taken 140 guests and 30 members of staff hostage.

Witnesses described hearing at least one explosion coming from the hotel, which is a popular choice for foreign dignitaries visiting Mali.