Gunmen attack police training centre in Lahore; 8 killed

LAHORE: At least eight people were killed and 10 others injured when a group of armed men attacked a police training centre near this eastern Pakistani city, lobbing grenades and firing indiscriminately.

A series of at least five blasts were heard at the training centre at Manawan, located near the Wagah border, and the explosions were followed by an exchange of fire between the attackers and policemen that continued for nearly two hours, witnesses and TV channels said.

Most of the casualties occurred near the gate of the centre, and officials said about 850 trainee policemen were present within at the facility. The exact number of attackers was not known.

Reports said the gunmen lobbed several grenades as they launched their attack and then fired indiscriminately. Hundreds of policemen, including members of an elite anti-terrorism squad, were rushed to the centre.

They surrounded the facility and cordoned off the area. Police also fired teargas at the attackers. The sound of heavy firing within the centre could be heard as policemen clad in bulletproof jackets and helmets took up positions around the facility. Ambulances were also seen rushing to the training centre.