At least seven people were killed and 18 others injured in a suicide blast outside the gate of Kabal police station in Swat district, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Sunday, police said.

“Seven people were killed and 18 others were seriously injured in the blast,” Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Gandapur said.

According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Malakand Syed Fida Hussain, the explosion took place near the gate of Kabal police station.

“A suicide bomber attempted to enter Kabal police station but was stopped by a police officer before gaining access. The attacker then detonated explosives at the police station’s main gate,” he said.

Hussain said police lines facility and other sensitive government buildings were located near the police station.

“Preliminary reports indicated that four police officers were seriously injured in the blast, while two civilians were also wounded, Hussain said.

DIG said a protest by local youths was also underway, but the protest site was some distance from the location of the explosion.

Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for K-P’s Rescue 1122 emergency service, said more than 15 people injured in the blast had been shifted to various hospitals.

He said rescue operations were still underway and that further details would be shared as they became available.

This story is being updated…