Indian forces storm Jewish centre in Mumbai

Mumbai: Commandos stormed a Jewish centre in Mumbai on Friday to free hostages as security forces scoured two luxury hotels for militants, more than 24 hours after coordinated attacks killed scores of people.

Armed soldiers descended from helicopters onto the roof of the Chabad Lubavitch Centre on Friday, television images showed.

Witnesses also reported hearing gunfire from the building as the commandos began to free hostages held by suspected Islamist gunmen.

At the luxury Taj Mahal Palace and Tower hotel and the Oberoi Trident complex, forces hunted for militants who stormed the buildings late on Wednesday.

All hostages were freed from the Taj late on Thursday and at least 93 people were freed from the Oberoi on Friday, police said.

"They are evacuating everyone. Everyone is being taken care of," an Indian woman said as she left the hotel with her husband.

Eight foreigners were among those killed in the coordinated shootings and explosions across Mumbai two days ago. Two Australians, a Briton, a Japanese and an Italian are confirmed dead, authorities said.

A little known Islamist group called the Deccan Mujahedeen claimed responsibility for the attacks, according to media reports.

Security forces were hunting for one injured terrorist at the Taj, who was moving between floors, and two militants at the Oberoi.

Police said at least seven of the attackers were killed and nine suspects had been taken into custody.