DHAKA: A bomb blast outside a church in the Pakistani city of Peshawar has killed at least 40 people and injured more than 40, medics say.

A bomb disposal officer said two suicide bombers blew themselves up outside the church when people were coming out after Sunday Mass.

The victims were said to include women and children, reports the BBC.

Islamist militants have been blamed for previous such attacks on Pakistan`s Christian minority.

Christians make up about 1.6% of Pakistan’s mainly Muslim population.

No-one has admitted carrying out the attack.

Witnesses said they heard two blasts, the second more powerful than the first.

Police officer Zahir Shah said he believed suicide bombers were involved.

BDST: 1624 HRS, SEPT 22, 2013
RoR/Jck