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DOUBLE BLAST
AT LEAST 52 people have been killed in a horror suicide bomb attack near a mosque in Pakistan.
A second explosion in another mosque during Friday prayers left four people dead.
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The first bombing happened in the southwestern province of Baluchistan this morning and left dozens of people injured.
The suicide attack happened where hundreds of people had gathered for a celebration to mark the birthday of Prophet Mohammed, officials said.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Munir Ahmed said: "The bomber detonated himself near the vehicle of the Deputy Superintendent of Police."
Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti described the blast as a "very heinous act".
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The casualties were treated at the hospital in the nearby town of Mastung - with some in critical condition.
Government officials confirmed that a senior police officer, Mohammad Nawaz, was among the victims.
Dramatic footage on social media shows many of the injured being rescued by emergency services.
Meanwhile, a second blast was heard at a mosque in Hangu with reports of people being trapped under the rubble.
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The explosion left seven people injured and caused the roof to cave in, local officials said.
District Police Office Nisar Ahmed, told local media: “There are reports that 30 to 40 people are stuck under the rubble.”
The official added that heavy machinery had been called to retrieve the bodies and those wounded.
It comes after authorities asked police to remain on maximum alert as militants could target rallies celebrating.
Muslims around the world celebrate the birthday of Islam's prophet by holding public gatherings offering free meals to people - known as Mawlid an-Nabi.
While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Pakistani Taliban quickly distanced themselves from it.
Previous deadly attacks in Baluchistan and elsewhere have been claimed by the Islamic State group.
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