Blast at US abortion clinic

An explosive device went off at the back door of a US medical clinic where a doctor performed abortions.

Authorities in Tacoma, Washington, said no injuries were reported but 50 people were evacuated.

The explosion occurred at the Westgate Family Medicine clinic, on the city’s north side, said Fire Department Deputy Fire Chief Gary Schiesz.

An overhang was damaged and remnants of an explosive device were found, he said.

It was not clear whether Dr Douglas Attig was present at the time. Police were interviewing him yesterday evening and he was unavailable for comment.

Robert Harkins, a spokesman for Planned Parenthood, said that Attig occasionally performed abortions at the clinic but was primarily a family physician.

Lieutenant Ed Baker said police have no suspects in the blast and no one has claimed responsibility.

Cars parked nearby received minor damage when they were apparently hit by shrapnel. Bomb-sniffing dogs were brought to the scene, he said.

‘‘The sound was tremendous,’’ said Bob Call, manager of a Coldwell Banker real estate office about 100 feet away. ‘‘The building literally quaked.’’

The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms were investigating.

The FBI will take charge of the probe if the crime turns out to have been politically motivated, FBI spokesman Ray Lauer said. Such crimes fall under the title of "domestic terrorism".