The president of Ivory Coast has said 14 civilians and six armed men were killed after attackers targeted beach-goers and three hotels in the historic resort town of Grand-Bassam.

Alassane Ouattara is visiting the town's hotels to express condolences and salute the security forces for their quick responses.

Officials have urged the public to remain calm after the incident in the south-eastern beach resort, about 25 miles east of Ivory Coast's economic centre, Abidjan.

Witness Josiane Sekongo, 25, said shots rang out in the town, a popular weekend destination for Ivorians and foreigners.

Ms Sekongo, who lives across from one of Grand-Bassam's many beachfront hotels, said she ran outside when she heard the gunfire and saw people running away from the beach.

She said residents were hiding in their homes as security forces responded.

The owner of the Etoile du Sud hotel said at least one person was killed there, while a reporter saw four dead bodies on a beach next to the establishment.

Security forces and members of the Ivorian Red Cross are clearing the bodies.

Witness Marcel Guy saw at least four gunmen with Kalashnikov rifles on the beach. He said one approached two children, and spoke in Arabic.

One child knelt and prayed, but the other was shot dead.

The historic town of Grand-Bassam is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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Mr Ouattara later confirmed two special forces operatives were killed in the attacks, in addition to the 14 civilians and six attackers.