A loud explosion has sent thick smoke billowing from the Westgate shopping complex in Nairobi where 69 people, including four Britons, have died in a raid by Islamic militants.
The blast was followed by other smaller detonations and volleys of gunfire as Kenyan troops laid siege to the four-storey complex.
A security official told reporters at the scene: "It is us who caused the explosion, we are trying to get in through the roof."
Sky's Stuart Ramsay said he had been told some of the al Shabaab terrorists had blown themselves up while others has been "taken out" by special forces.
One of the Britons killed in the raid, which began on Saturday, has been named in reports as Ross Langdon, who had dual nationality with Australia.
An architect, he apparently died alongside his girlfriend who was heavily pregnant, according to Australian media.
Colleagues of Mr Langdon told Sky News: "We were shocked at the news. Ross was the kind of guy who restored your faith in humanity - what a senseless waste."
The Kenyan Defence Force said earlier on its Twitter feed it was making every effort to bring the situation "to a speedy conclusion".
It said it has secured most of the shopping mall, and many of the hostages have been rescued. Police say more were rescued overnight.
"We have managed to rescue more hostages overnight and very few are remaining," said Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo. "We are also closing in on the attackers."
Officials said up to 15 may still be inside the building. They have apparently been using the remaining hostages as human shields and have threatened to kill them.
Al Shebaab spokesman Ali Mohamud Rage warned the hostages would "bear the brunt of any force directed against the mujahedeen".
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