Commandos have surrounded two hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oberoi, where gunmen are reported to be holding dozens of hostages, including foreigners

A fire is said to be spreading through the Taj Mahal hotel

A witness told local television that the gunmen were looking for people with British or US passports

The head of Mumbai's anti-terrorism is among those killed, according to local TV

At least two blasts, suspected to be grenade attacks, have been reported.

2.30am: Firing reportedly in Borivali area. Second blast in the Oberoi Hotel
2.13 am: IBN7 channel receives email from a group called Deccan Mujahideen claiming responsibility for the blasts.

1.55am: Fire in the old Taj Mahal Hotel building, started after the blast in the dome.

1.35am: Encounter specialist Vijay Salaskar killed in gunfight with terrorists. Anti-terrorism squad chief Hemant Karkare also reported killed! Additional Commissioner Ashok Kampte also killed in firing at Metro. Cops are in a complete state of shock!

1.32am: There is no official line of information forthcoming. Even the television channels are flashing contradicting reports. But it has been established that it is a terrorist attack

1.15am: Firing reported at Hotel Ramada, Juhu. Four policemen killed in gun fire.

1.05am: One more blast at the Taj Hotel and one at the Oberoi Hotel

1.04am: Firing continues at CST station. 1 journalist injured. Firing from police van

1.02am: Two terrorists driving a state government car is reported to be heading towards Malabar Hill where the chief minister and other dignitaries stay.

12. 57am: Terrorists are reportedly holed in Room No 360 and 361 of Taj hotel.