Attacks kill at least 19 people in Baghdad

A series of explosions and shootings rocked Baghdad this morning, killing at least 19 people and wounding dozens, police have revealed.

Three car bombs detonated within minutes of each other near a vegetable market in the predominantly Sunni neighbourhood of Dora in southern Baghdad. At least 10 people died and 30 were wounded, police sources said.

Another bomb exploded in central Baghdad at rush hour, killing four people and wounding 11. One police officer said the death toll was expected to rise. Two of those wounded are also said to be police officers.

Another two huge explosions rang out across the area about an hour apart. A parked car later struck a busy thoroughfare in a religiously mixed area in central Baghdad, killing four people and wounding 10.

The blast burned many cars and shattered the windows of nearby stores.

Gunmen are also said to have opened fire on an Iraqi police patrol near al-Shaab stadium in eastern Baghdad, killing one policeman and wounded another.