Five policemen killed, 20 injured in suicide blast in Lahore

CNews Lahore: Five policemen were killed and 20 others injured today in a suicide attack outside a police station in a busy area in this eastern Pakistani city that was crowded with people celebrating on the eve of the country's Independence Day. The suicide bomber blew himself up outside a police station near Moon Market, one of the largest bazars in the posh Allama Iqbal Town locality, officials said. The market was packed with people out celebrating ahead of Pakistan's 61st Independence Day. Five policemen were killed instantly and 20 others were injured, police officials were quoted as saying by Reporter. Five of the policemen injured in the blast, which occurred at about 11.30 pm (Pakistan time), were in a serious condition. Rizwan Naseer, the head of the local rescue service, said initial reports suggested it appeared to be a suicide attack. He said police had cordoned off the area and started an investigation. Naseer said the policemen were apparently the target of the attack. The dead and injured were rushed to nearby hospitals. Officials said there were reports of security threats in the city and an alert had been sounded some time ago. Security was further tightened after the blast, they said.