Police say the death toll has risen to nine in an attack on a popular restaurant in Somalia’s capital.

Police say a hostage situation is unfolding inside the Pizza House in Mogadishu as gunmen are holed up inside and security forces try to secure the scene.

Capt. Mohamed Hussein says a burst of gunfire was heard inside the restaurant where dozens of people are reported to be held. The attack began with a car bomb exploding at the gate.

The Somalia-based extremist group al-Shabab has claimed responsibility and says the attack is ongoing.