Gunman have attacked the Corninthia Hotel in Tripoli, killing at least two security guards and setting off a car bomb outside the building.

At least three other people have been injured in the attack.

It is uncertain how many gunmen carried out the raid.

A twitter account claiming to be operated by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) has claimed responsibility for the attack for the jihadist organisation. The claim has not yet been confirmed.

The Corinthia was previously considered one of the safest places in the city and has been used as a base for World Bank Officials, as well as the Qatari embassy and as the residence of former Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan while he held office.

In October 2013, Zeidan was kidnapped from the building by a group of armed militants.