The Safir Hotel was one of five targets

A British man staying at a Moroccan hotel targeted by suicide bombers has described the devastation of the attack.

Mel Potter was returning to Casablanca's Hotel Safir when he heard the bomb go off - one of five, which left at least 41 people dead.

He said: "The reception area and the bar on the first floor were blown completely out."

The 50-year-old father of two from Durham added: "It was pretty chaotic. It was a bit surreal and I just didn't quite think it was real - it was a strange feeling."

Mr Potter, who had been out with three colleagues also staying at the hotel, said they had all been shocked and that he "can't wait" to get home.

Called home

Explaining what he had been told on his return to the hotel Mr Potter, who works for a clothing manufacturer, said: "There was a suicide bomber who tried to get into the building.

We were there on the phone rather quickly and we gave them the news before they had heard about it

"Two security people tried to force him back out and he detonated the device."

Mr Potter recalled: "I don't think I ever felt particularly scared, but you never imagine something like this ever happening."

He quickly called his wife, Anne, and their children, Aron, 24, and Faye, 21, to let them know what had happened.

"We were there on the phone rather quickly and we gave them the news before they had heard about it," Mr Potter said.

"We broke the news so it was a lot better for them to talk to us - they did not get quite as much of a shock."

Structurally 'sound'

Mr Potter, who spends four weeks in Casablanca for every one week in Britain, said he and his colleagues had been due to fly out of Casablanca late on Friday night.

Looking at it this morning, there was quite a lot of damage, but structurally it seems to be sound

The group also included Tony Wilson, 51, from Peterlee, Brian Reed, aged 40, from Hartlepool, and a fourth man who did not want to be named.

All the men had been back to the hotel to collect their belongings and were surprised at how determined the staff were to get on with things.

Mr Porter said: "Looking at it this morning, there was quite a lot of damage, but structurally it seems to be sound.

"I am surprised at how quickly the hotel wanted to get back to normal.

"They were shocked and stunned and - give them their due - they have done a remarkable job of cleaning it all up."

Advice

Despite the attacks Mr Potter, who has been travelling between Britain and Morocco for 12 years, said that he would not be afraid to return.

He said: "We will take advice from the company that we work for.

"But I certainly would not have any problems coming back."