At least eight terrorist gunmen 'shouting "Allahu Akbar"' stormed a Bangladeshi restaurant taking a number of people hostage, including "several" foreigners, close to the British High Commission.
An ISIS affiliated group which reportedly claims responsibility for the attack, claims to have killed 24 people 'of different nationalities' and wounded 40 at the Holey Artisan restaurant in the upscale Gulshan area of Dhaka.
Police have confirmed that two officers have been killed in an exchange of gunfire.
Italian state TV has reported seven Italian nationals are inside the building and the country's foreign ministry has confirmed Italians are being held.

The British Foreign Office says its urgently seeking more information from Bangladeshi authorities, as diplomatic staff at the British High Commission - just streets away from the restaurant - remain unaccounted for.
Police said "several foreigners" were among the hostages as reports suggest at least 20 people are currently being detained by the assailants.
Bangladeshi security stand guard near a restaurant that has been attacked by unidentified gunmenGetty
Bangladeshi security stand guard near the restaurant where a hostage situation is ongoing
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stand guard outside the Holey Artisan Bakery cafeBarcroft Media
Members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stand guard outside the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) stand guard outside the Holey Artisan Bakery cafeBarcroft Media
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) stand guard outside the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe