It's the worst possible news. Our friend and colleague Kate Peyton has died.

Here's the official statement:

"It is with deep sadness and regret that I now have to update you with the news that Kate has died in hospital in Mogadishu after being shot earlier today. She died of internal bleeding following surgery.

"Kate was one of our most experienced and respected Foreign Affairs producers who had worked all over Africa and all over the world. She will be greatly missed, both professionally and personally.

"Our thoughts are with her partner, Roger, his daughter, and Kate’s mother, brother and sister. We are in touch with the family and are doing everything we can to support them at this terrible time."

Helen Boaden, Director BBC News