The Gambian Interior Minister, Osman Baji, has appealed for calm in the aftermath of an alleged coup attempt last week.

He was speaking on state radio after rumours of a fresh coup attempt, which led to panic and the closure of shops and offices in the capital, Banjul, when gunfire was heard near the presidential palace.

Mr Baji said the shooting was a minor incident.

He said more soldiers had been arrested but refused to give details for what he called security reasons.

On Friday, the Gambian government announced that it had foiled a coup lead by the officer in charge of security at the palace.

A BBC correspondent in Gambia says that, with little evidence produced, many people doubt whether there really was a coup attempt. Its announcement coincides with opposition allegations of corruption against President Yahia Jammeh.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service