A LONE SAS man was hailed a hero of the Kenya terror siege — after storming in to wipe out attackers and save civilians.
He was in the country training Special Forces when news broke of the gun and grenade atrocity that killed at least 21
— At least one other Brit was injured in the rampage.
After getting kitted out, dramatic photos show the hero charging into a building single-handed — Colt Canada C8 assault rifle at the ready — to free cowering locals.
In another, the balaclava-clad elite soldier, whose face we have masked, helps to carry an injured victim. He was also seen clasping a woman’s hand as he led her to safety.
The man — a long-serving SAS member — checked plans with local special forces, directed sorties in the heat of battle and frisked suspects.
insider said last night: “He was training Kenyan forces when the shout went up, so he went in.
“British Special Forces always run towards the sound of gunfire.
“He fired off rounds during the operation. It’s a safe bet he hit his target — the SAS don’t miss. There’s no doubt his actions saved lives.”
His battlegear included body armour, a Glock pistol and dagger.
The hero is thought to have served in Iraq and Afghanistan and to be a top counter-terror warfare expert.
Yesterday, survivors hailed his heroics in the 19-hour attack on Nairobi’s DusitD2 hotel and office complex. Lucy Njeri said: “He carried out one of the wounded, then went back and did that again.
“There was a lot of confusion, a lot of people running around, but he stood out. He was very brave.”
Joshua Kwambai — who fled a restaurant there when the attack began — added: “This guy got there quick. I think he was one of first there. He had a mask on.
“We could see him talking to the police and army and they listened to him. They were looking at pieces of paper, maybe plans of the building
US Navy Seals and Kenyan forces also helped thwart the attack — declared to be over yesterday.
Up to six jihadists from Somali-based al-Shabaab struck at 3pm local time on Tuesday.
One started the carnage with a suicide blast in the hotel lobby.
CCTV captured some mowing down victims with AK47s. The Brit SAS fighter and other security forces were on the scene by 4pm.
Locals trapped in the attack spoke yesterday of their ordeal.
Hotel café worker Reuben Kimani said the attackers opened fire after yelling: “Why are you killing our brothers and sisters in Somalia?”
He said he recognised one because he had earlier served him coffee. Reuben said: “I knew because he had a big scar on one of his hands.
“I saw them. They shot six of my friends. Four didn’t die but two did.”
He was rescued after several hours trapped in the hotel.
Office worker Ronald Ng’eno, 38, had tweeted, “Tell my family I love them,” in what he feared would be a tragic last message.
He was found safe after 11 hours hiding in the office.
With scores of injured in hospital and around 50 still unaccounted for, there were fears last night that the death toll could rise.
Kenya said all the gunmen were killed. A senior police officer said they ended the rampage after killing the last two of the attackers in a shootout.
He said: “The two had red bandanas and bullets strapped to their chest with several magazines each. Each had an AK47.”
Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed that at least 700 people were safely evacuated. He vowed to “relentlessly” hunt down all those linked to the carnage.
He said: “We will seek out every person involved in the funding, planning and execution of this heinous act.
“We’re a country governed by laws, rules and regulations. We are also a nation that never forgets those who hurt our children.”
A man and a woman were being quizzed last night.
A Kenyan security source said: “We’re preparing to make a wave of arrests in the coming days. We will not let terrorist networks operate in Kenya in any circumstances.”
Al-Shabaab has vowed retribution against Kenya since it sent troops to Somalia to fight it in 2011.
In 2013, the group massacred 67 in an 80-hour attack on Nairobi’s Westgate shopping mall.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Twitter yesterday: “Really tragic news from Kenya.
“My thoughts are with the families and friends who have lost loved ones in this attack, including one British citizen. UK stands with Kenya at this difficult time.
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