Denmark has boosted its support for Gulf of Guinea nations to combat the scourge of piracy.

It has pledged a further DKK 175m ($27m) for its maritime Peace & Stabilisation Fund, which aims to step up security in the region.

The cash will help coastal countries respond to, gather evidence on and prosecute attacks on shipping.

"The security situation in the Gulf of Guinea is serious and worrying," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeppe Kofod.