Gunmen have attacked a restaurant in the diplomatic quarter of the Bangladeshi capital and taken an unknown number of people hostages, including foreigners, Sky News quoted the special police force chief as saying.

Benjir Ahmed told reporters police were trying to ensure the hostages' safety in a peaceful manner. 

Eight to nine gunmen had attacked the restaurant in the Gulshan area of the capital, he said.

Local media reported that gunmen had entered the Holey Artisan Bakery cafe and opened fire on at around 9.20pm on Friday evening. They also reported as many as 20 people taken hostage.

A large contingency of police and security guards cordoned off the area, trading gunfire with the attackers.

Source: MENA