The authorities in Mali say an attack on a military patrol in the north of the country has killed at least four civilians and wounded more than 30 other people, including eight French soldiers.

Officials said the attack in the city of Gao involved a car bomb explosion followed by gunfire.

More than 3,000 French troops are stationed in the Sahel region.

They work with soldiers from five West African countries to try to rid the region of violent Islamist militants.

On Friday, at least three people were killed in a suicide attack on the headquarters of the West African regional force in Mali.