PESHAWAR: At least three policemen, additional inspector general (AIGP) Mohammad Ashraf Noor among them, were killed while six others were injured in a suicide blast in the provincial capital’s Hayatabad area on Friday morning.

According to rescue and security sources, the blast occurred close to the vehicle of AIGP Headquarters Mohammad Ashraf Noor near Tatara Park in the city’s posh locality of Hayatabad.

Police confirmed that the AIG, his driver and a security guard were killed in the blast.

A police official said AIG Ashraf Noor was on his way to office along with a driver and gunman when his vehicle came under attack. After the blast, his car caught fire, he added.

Live footage of the blast site showed thick cloud of smoke rising from the vehicle.

Rescue officials said the deceased and injured have been shifted to Hayatabad Medical Complex.

Following the blast, a strong contingent of security forces reached the blast site and cordoned it off for security reasons.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

Later speaking to the media at the blast site, the CCPO Peshawar said the AIG Ashraf Noor was the target of the terrorist attack. The body parts of the suicide bomber were found at the site, he added.

He said terrorist activities have declined by 70 per cent in the province.