Taliban ‘not behind blast’

PAKISTAN’S Taliban denied responsibility for twin bomb blasts that ripped through a crowded market in the north-western city of Peshawar, killing 39 people and injuring dozens.

The attack, one of the deadliest in a series to hit Pakistan since US Navy SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in May, devastated the Khyber Super Market district which includes a hotel, shops and student accommodation.

A small initial blast at about 11.30pm local time on Saturday drew onlookers and emergency services before a second more powerful blast, believed to be from a suicide strike, detonated and was heard for miles around.