Scores of militants, police and civilians have been killed in clashes in the Tunisian city of Ben Guerdan near Libya's border, raising concerns about the presence of Islamic State in the region. 

The fighting began with an attack by Islamist militants on a police barracks.

Residents say the assault was carried out by Islamic State, raising concerns about a potential spill-over of fighting from Libya, where the group is ramping up it's presence.

Tunisia has been targeted by the militants several time over the past year, with high profile attacks on sites popular with tourists.

With western help, the government says its security forces will continue to fortify the border to try to keep Islamic State out, and prevent further attacks.