At least five people have been killed in an explosion at a historic mosque in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, police say.
At least five people have been killed in an explosion at a historic mosque in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad, police say.
A number of others were injured in the blast at the Mecca Masjid, one of biggest mosques in the country.
A number of others were injured in the blast at the Mecca Masjid, one of biggest mosques in the country.
It is not yet clear what caused the explosion, although police say they found two live bombs nearby.
It is not yet clear what caused the explosion, although police say they found two live bombs nearby.
It happened at the entrance of the mosque during Friday prayers. The injured have been taken to hospital.
It happened at the entrance of the mosque during Friday prayers. The injured have been taken to hospital.
Federal interior minister Shivraj Prasad told reporters that the explosion was caused by a "crude bomb".
The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Rajshekhar Reddy said that police had defused the two live bombs they had found in the vicinity of the mosque following the explosion.
The chief minister of Andhra Pradesh YS Rajshekhar Reddy said that police had defused the two live bombs they had found in the vicinity of the mosque following the explosion.
"The situation is under control," he told reporters.
"The situation is under control," he told reporters.
Injured
Injured
The blast took place as thousands of Muslims were wrapping up Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid.
The blast took place as thousands of Muslims were wrapping up Friday prayers at the Mecca Masjid.
Hyderabad is one of the biggest cities in southern India, and a growing software and biotechnology hub. It has a large Muslim population.
Hyderabad is one of the biggest cities in southern India, and a growing software and biotechnology hub. It has a large Muslim population.
The mosque is located in the old city which is predominantly Muslim and very congested.
The mosque is located in the old city which is predominantly Muslim and very congested.
Many in the congregation ran for cover, some covered in blood.
Many in the congregation ran for cover, some covered in blood.
Police and emergency services are now at the site which has been cordoned off.
Police and emergency services are now at the site which has been cordoned off.
There are fears that the number of dead could rise further. Police say some of the injured are in a serious condition.
There are fears that the number of dead could rise further. Police say some of the injured are in a serious condition.
Last year more than 35 people were killed after bomb attacks near a mosque in the western state of Maharashtra. It is still not clear who carried out those attacks.
Last year more than 35 people were killed after bomb attacks near a mosque in the western state of Maharashtra. It is still not clear who carried out those attacks.
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Are you near the area? Have you been caught up by the blast? Send us your comments by filling out the form below.
