Second bomb attack targets Islamist politician in Pakistan

A roadside bomb has struck a convoy carrying a prominent hardline Islamist politician in north-western Pakistan, killing 10 people, police said.

The attack in Charsadda town seemed to be the second in as many days targeting politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He was unharmed but his vehicle was slightly damaged.

Police officer Rehman Gul said the dead included at least one police officer. The blast also wounded at least 20 people.

Local TV footage showed a police truck and several shops damaged by the blast.

Mr Rehman has been an outspoken supporter of the Afghan Taliban, but some militants in Pakistan have shown a willingness to attack anyone connected to the government.

The blast came the day after a suicide bomber riding a motorcycle attacked a police checkpoint in north-western Pakistan, killing at least 13 people.

The blast in Swabi town, 44 miles from the capital Islamabad, struck a crowd gathered along the road to greet Mr Rehman.