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 — including Brit Luke Potter.

37 A long-serving member of the SAS is seen dragging a victim from the scene of the shooting Credit: EPA

37 The brave SAS soldier tooled up and joined the shootout at the request of Kenyan security forces Credit: EPA

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.

An 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.”

37 How the day unfolded in the 19-hour attack on Nairobi’s DusitD2 hotel and office complex

37 The tooled-up SAS hero checks plans with local special forces

37 Another incredible photo shows the masked soldier escorting someone from the building Credit: Reuters

37 The balaclava-clad troop escorts another bystander to safety Credit: Reuters

37 The SAS member is also visible in the background of this dramatic photo Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 The elite soldier storms a building with his assault rifle drawn Credit: Getty - Contributor

37 Moments later a set of hostages are freed Credit: Getty - Contributor

37 Bodies lie slumped where they sat at the hotel following the horrific attack Credit: EPA

37 Chilling CCTV shows gun-wielding terrorists enter the hotel, before slaughtering 14 people - including a Brit and an American

CCTV footage from Dusit Hotel shows attackers entering the premises in Nairobi, Kenya

37 Cars were set ablaze following the explosion which rocked the Kenyan capital Credit: Reuters

Nairobi terror attack - SWAT team enters DusitD2 hotel complex as assault 'by Al-Shabaab terrorists' unfolds in Kenya

37 An alleged attacker, holding an automatic weapon and wearing an ammo belt, enters the hotel Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 Another image shows two of the suspected gunmen stalking the hotel Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 In this image made from security camera video footage, people run after a man blew himself up in a grassy area at the DusitD2 leisure complex Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 In this image made from security camera video footage, a man blows himself up in a grassy area at the DusitD2, a luxury hotel and shopping complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on January 15 Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 Members of security forces secure a building Credit: Reuters

37 Terrified survivors are cowering for safety behind a member of the security forces Credit: Reuters

Footage shows inside luxury Kenyan hotel after Al Shabaab terrorist attack kills 14 people

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.

37 Jason Spindler has been identified as the US citizen killed in yesterday's terror attack in Nairobi

37 Jason lived in the city and ran a management and investment firm

37 People are evacuated from inside the complex Credit: AFP or licensors

37 Others are seen fleeing after being rescued by security forces Credit: AFP or licensors

37 Some 700 people were rescued, while another 14 were killed, officials said Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 A woman is led to safety amid the harrowing gun battle Credit: Getty Images - Getty

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.”

Tribute to dad TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to British victim Luke Potter, a charity director. The London dad of one, aged 40 and with a fiancée, was in Nairobi helping forestry and tea industries. His Gatsby Charitable Foundation said: “He devoted the past ten years to helping the poorest and most ­vulnerable.” They added: “He brought a calm head and his unique sense of humour to every situation. “We share the grief of his family, partner, daughter and friends.” Another victim was named as US businessman Jason Spindler, 40, who had survived 9/11.

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The Foreign Office added: “We are supporting the family of a British man killed in the attack in Kenya. We are also supporting a British person who was wounded and is receiving medical attention.

“We stand ready to help any other British people affected.”

The MoD would only say: “We do not comment on Special Forces.”

37 Kenyan security forces search for the attackers during the lengthy gun battle Credit: EPA

37 An injured man is escorted from the scene Credit: EPA

37 All four attackers were eventually killed, officials revealed today Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 Hostages escape the hotel complex through an open window Credit: EPA

37 Survivors run to safety during the horrific attack Credit: EPA

37 Two women hug at the scene of the deadly Al-Shabaab attack Credit: Reuters

37 Kenyan special forces scour rooftops for potential targets Credit: EPA

37 A Kenyan police officer gestures during the standoff Credit: EPA

37 An injured member of the Kenyan security forces is evacuated Credit: AFP or licensors

37 A terrified bystander is pulled to safety Credit: AFP or licensors

37 A security member escorts two women to safety as cars burn in the background Credit: AP:Associated Press

37 Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security Fred Okengo Matiang'i, centre, speaks to the press at the scene Credit: AFP or licensors

37 Terror group Al-Shabaab later claimed responsibility for the attack Credit: EPA

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