KOHAT, March 3: Three policemen and two civilians were killed when a suicide attacker rammed his explosives-laden vehicle into a van of the Quick Response Force in Aliabad area of Hangu on Thursday.

Thirty-six people, among them 22 women and children, were injured in the bombing that destroyed eight houses and two vehicles and smashed windowpanes and doors of several other buildings.

The dead were identified as Inspector Islam Khan, Head Constable Saifullah, Constable Bahawul Haq and Rehmatullah, a civilian. One body could not be identified.

The DIG of Police, Kohat region, Masood Khan, and DPO Hangu Abdur Rashied Khan said that police and some civilians had stopped the bomber from entering the city, bearing the brunt of the attack.

Talking to reporters, the DPO said that the double-cabin van used in the blast carried 250-300 kilograms of explosives. A 12-foot deep and 15-foot wide crater was created at the site of the blast.