10 killed in blasts

At least 10 people were killed and 200 wounded after four bombs exploded within minutes today at a packed cinema and a crowded circus in a town in south-western Bangladesh.

The death toll was likely to rise as many of the injured were taken to hospitals in a serious condition, said police.

Two bombs went off at the crowded Roxie Cinema Hall in Satkhira town, 110 miles south west of the capital Dhaka.

Within minutes, two more bombs went off at a crowded circus in the centre of town.

The blasts occurred when thousands of men, women and children were on the streets to celebrate Gurpukur Fair, a century-old festival honouring a local Hindu king. Muslims also participating in the festival.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosions.

Hospitals and health centres were overwhelmed with the arrival of the injured people, many with severed legs or hands.

Hundreds of anxious relatives gathered at the scenes of the blasts and outside hospitals.