5 killed in blast in Pakistan

Islamabad: An attack in the city of Quetta in Pakistan killed at least five people including two policemen on Tuesday.

According to authorities, a motorcycle filled with explosives targeted a police van parked outside the police station in Bacha Khan chowk, in a busy shopping area in the city.

Quetta police chief Abdul Razzaq Cheema said in a statement to the media that a two women and a child were among 27 people injured in the blast.

There are fears the death toll could rise as some of the injured are in critical condition.

The blast shattered the glass windows of nearby shopping malls and shops while the sound of the explosion caused panic in neighbouring residential areas.

Security officials cordoned off the blast site and a probe into the incident is underway.

The incident follows another attack last week where two people were killed and 16 others were injured when a motorcycle rigged with explosives blew up outside a store in Quetta.

The blast was strongly condemned by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan.