Mogadishu: Three dead after huge explosion and gunfire in Somali capital

Follows an al-Shabaab attack on hotel last month in which nine people were killed

The aftermath of the bomb in Mogadishu (Reuters)

At least three people have died and seven injured in a "huge" explosion in the centre of the Somali capital Mogadishu.

Social media reports also claimed gunfire and a ball of smoke could be seen over the city after the explosion, which is believed to have been a car bomb that detonated at Shaqalaha junction, in the busy area known as K-4.

It is believed the explosion was near an ex-cinema and opposite the Somali immigration headquarters, and the target was a senior government official who escaped.

Reports from journalists in the city claim the blast may have been the result of a suicide bomber, but The Independent was unable to confirm this.

The explosion follows two car bombs last month. Nine people died and 10 were injured after the bombs detonated outside a hotel in the centre of the city on 10 November.

Gunmen, affiliated with terror organisation al-Shabaab, then stormed the building and took hostages after exchanging gunfire with police. The Islamic extremist group continues to disrupt daily life in the African nation as it fights against the UN-backed government.

This story will be updated shortly