Guinea-Bissau’s military has announced a takeover after arresting President Umaro Sissoco Embaló on Wednesday afternoon.

A group of military officers led by General Denis N’Canha announced they had taken “total control” of the country in a broadcast.

Mr N’Canha said the “High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, “composed of all branches of the armed forces, was taking over the leadership of the country until further notice.”

Amid reports of a military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, Mr Embaló told France24, “I have been deposed,” adding that he was “currently at the general staff headquarters.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Mr Embaló and some members of his cabinet were arrested by soldiers as gunshots rocked Guinea-Bissau’s presidential palace.

The armed forces’ chief of staff, General Biaguê Na Ntan; the deputy chief of staff, General Mamadou Touré; and the interior minister, Botché Candé, were also arrested.

This comes as citizens await the results of Guinea-Bissau’s general elections held on Sunday. Both Mr Embaló and opposition candidate Fernando Dias have claimed victory in the election.

Heavy gunshots rocked Guinea-Bissau’s presidential palace on Wednesday, three days after the election, amid reports of a possible coup in the country.