'Tourists among victims' of Marrakech blast

Fourteen people were killed today by an explosion at a café popular with tourists in the Moroccan city of Marrakech.

It is believed the blast, which also caused 20 injuries, was caused by gas canisters catching fire in the basement of the Argana café on the Djemaa el-Fna square. The state news agency MAP said it appeared to be a "criminal act".

Witnesses described chaos and panic on the busy square, known for its snake charmers, fire breathers and sword swallowers.

Andy Birnie, of north London, who is on honeymoon in the city, said: "There was a huge bang, and lots of smoke went up, there was debris raining down from the sky. Hundreds of people were running in panic, some towards the café, some away from the square. The whole front of the café is blown away.

"It was lunchtime so the square was very busy. The locals are telling us it was gas bottles exploding."

Portuguese tourist Alexandre Carvalho, a 34-year-old call centre worker, said: "I had just arrived at the square. Suddenly I heard this massive explosion.

"There were at least 10 injured people, lots of debris, things flying up in the air. I saw people running with fire extinguishers. I believe the injured were mostly tourists, judging by what they were wearing."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "Consular staff have been deployed to the scene and are trying to establish if any British nationals were involved."