Violence in Lahore After Twin Blasts Near Churches Kill 14, Injure Over 50

At least 14 people were killed and over were 50 injured today in twin blasts in a Christian neighbourhood of Lahore in Pakistan, sparking angry protests. According to reports, a policeman was killed by a rampaging mob; locals also vandalised buildings and looted shops.

The explosions occurred during Sunday prayers near two churches in the city's Youhanabad area, home to more than 100,000 Christians.

A Pakistani Taliban splinter group Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Nabila Ghazanfar, a spokeswoman for the police, told AFP that a state of emergency has been imposed in the city's hospitals as the death toll was expected to rise.

Police said it seemed that the blasts, which went off minutes apart, targeted two churches - one Catholic and one Protestant - that are very close to each other.

After the blasts, enraged residents lynched two suspects, police said.

"I was sitting at a shop near the church when a blast jolted the area. I rushed towards the spot and saw the security guard scuffle with a man who was trying to enter the church, after failing, he blew himself up," said Amir Masih, witness. "I saw his body parts flying through the air," he added.

The guard died as well, he said. It was not clear if the first blast was also a suicide attack, Mr Masih said.

Hundreds of Christians took to the streets of the locality to protest against the police and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif criticised the attacks.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has condemned the Lahore blasts and directed provincial governments to ensure the security of public and their properties," a statement carried by state media said.

Militants in Pakistan have attacked Christians and other religious minorities often over the last decade or more.

Christians make up around two percent of Pakistan's 180 million people and have been targeted in attacks and riots in recent years.

Sunday's attack was the worst on the community since a devastating double suicide bombing in the northwestern city of Peshawar in 2013 killed 82 people.