Islamist insurgents in northern Mozambique are reported to have attacked a village inside the site of a major gas project run by the French energy company Total.

The security forces are said to have beaten back the militants after a battle lasting several hours.

The village of Quitunda is less than a mile from the company's airstrip.

Last week Total evacuated some staff following jihadist attacks close to its site.

Our BBC correspondent in Mozambique says it is surprising the insurgents have managed to attack a village within the project site, as the area is heavily guarded.