popular with foreigners in Libya's capital, killing three guards

Tripoli's Corinthia Hotel

reception area.

car bomb also exploded outside the hotel.

not clear whether the gunmen are still inside the hotel, and whether any staff or guests are trapped there.

"I suddenly heard shots and saw people running towards me, and we all escaped from the back [of the hotel] through the underground garage. The hotel did a lockdown after that."

number of attackers is not clear.

between three and five.

one gunman had been arrested

two assailants were still inside the hotel.

received a threat "a few days ago" warning managers "to empty the building".

popular with foreign diplomats and government officials.