8 policemen killed as Tana death toll rises to 40

33 villagers have been confirmed dead in Kilelengwani village, the hotspot of Monday's renewed clashes in Tana River County between Pokomo and Orma communities.

Nation's correspondent who has arrived at the scene reports that eight police officers, including four GSU, two Administration Police and two regular police officers, were also killed in the skirmishes.

A temporary police camp recently set up in the village was vandalized during the attack, a police lorry and a land cruiser burnt to shells and police guns stolen.

The bodies of the eight policemen have been taken to Witu and Malindi hospital mortuaries. Red Cross officials have confirmed the figures of dead.

Two groups of about 300 armed attackers raided the village early Monday in a two - pronged attack. One group went straight to the police camp, while the other raided the village.

400 heads of cattle were driven away others hacked to death during the attack. Scores, including police officers and villagers were also seriously injured.

Five seriously injured people have been taken to Witu Health Center, while three others have been rushed to Malindi District Hospital.

Three trucks full of GSU, AP and Regular police have arrived at Kilelengwani and are pursuing the attackers, according to the Nation correspondent.

Senior Police officers at the scene of the attack have declined to talk to the press, while the Provincial police boss, the Provincial Commissioner, District intelligence officer could not be reached.