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(Image: TWITTER)

Riot police rushed to the scene at the Villa le Premier in Odessa, Ukraine.

A gang of gunmen entered the hotel at 10pm, exchanging fire with security forces.

The attackers then barricaded themselves into the hotel and held an unknown number of guests and staff hostage.

(Image: TWITTER)

Witnesses reported 15 minutes as the men launched the assault on the resort – reportedy armed with shotguns.

The hotel's website describes the villa as a "ultramodern five-star hotel of luxury class".

Police surrounded the hotel and the gunmen then gave themselves up – releasing the guests and unlocking the hotel.

(Image: TWITTER)

Police chief Vadim Mogila revealed the attack was a confrontation between two security firms representing different owners of the hotel.

He confirmed none of the guests were injured by the warring factions but "several" of the gunmen were wounded.

Paramedics on the scene treated the men – including a hotel guard who had received injuries to his hands and feet.

Cops have detained at least 20 men and questioned them over the dramatic incident.

(Image: WEBSITE)

Local media Kypbep reports one of the owners arrived the hotel alongisde the private soldiers and attempted to seize the hotel.

When the hotel guards resisted a gunfight broke out, shattering ground floor windows and leaving some of the men injured.

The incident comes as Ukraine is racked with tensions with their closest neighbour Russia.