Lahore: Ten people were killed and 48 others injured in twin blasts in two churches, Catholic and Protestant, in the Youhanabad area of Lahore on Sunday, Express News reported.

According to initial reports, it was a suicide blast. Rescue teams and security officials have reached the site of the blast.

“Ten people have been killed and over 48 injured in the attacks,” General Hospital spokesperson says.

The deceased include a child and a police constable.

The main gate of St John’s Catholic Church was destroyed due to blast.

“Owing to the large number of people expected to attend the services, the church administration had divided the morning service into two parts,” Nadim Anthony, a member of the Christian community told The Express Tribune.

He said the first service was held from 8 am to 9 am, while the second service was taking place when the blast took place.

“Both the blasts were suicide attacks,” he further claims.

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar has condemned the blast and sought a report from police.

Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Jammatul Ahrar has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

“We have carried out the attack,” TTP JA spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan told The Express Tribune via phone.

Ehsan used his Afghan mobile number to call the media in Islamabad and Peshawar.

“We have reached Lahore, the center of Punjab province, which is a challenge and a warning to the rulers,” Ehsan said.

When asked that the group has targeted civilians at the church, he said, “They are our real enemies.”

He said the ‘Aafia Siddiqui Brigade,’ a group of the suicide bombers, was assigned to carry out the attack.

Police have resorted to aerial firing to disperse the enraged crowd as mayhem unfolds in Youhanabad.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has condemned the blast.

Worshippers have gathered outside the churches after the explosions and are protesting against the government for not providing sufficient security.

Eye witness Aslam Pervez Sahotra says he is sure attack on Catholic Church was a suicide blast. “Children and women are hurt in the explosion,” he adds.

Sahotra says the blasts took place due to lack of security. He further says both the churches were crowded when they were targeted.

As per initial reports, there were 800 people present inside one church and 1,100 people in the other.

A police constable and a child have been killed in the blasts, Express News reports.

An emergency has been declared at General Hospital.

Christ Church and Catholic Church are situated at short distance in Yohbabad area.

The worshippers were targeted when they came out of the churches after Sunday service.