Suicide Bomber Kills Six In Northwest Pakistan

A suicide bomber has blown himself up close to a police van in northwest Pakistan, killing six people and wounding at least 17 others.

The blast took place in Bannu, close to the Afghan border.

Police said one of the victims was a police officer, the others were civilians, including two children. Initial reports said the suicide bomber was on foot.

A spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility.

Islamist militants have carried out scores of attacks across the country, killing around 4,000 people over the past four years.

The military has launched offensives in the northwest where the militants are based, but the attacks have continued.

compiled from agency reports