Christians in Pakistan
File photo of Pakistani Christians worshipping in Lahore (Reuters) Reuters/Mohsin Raza

At least 43 people, including women and children, have been killed in a suicide bomb blast near a church in Peshawar.

A suicide bomber blew himself up near the Pakistan Church in Peshawar's Kohati Gate area, according to local media reports. At least 55 people have been injured, some critically.

Security officials have cordoned off the area and the injured have been taken to Lady Reading Hospital.

The blast occurred as more than 500 Sunday worshippers started to leave the church, Pakistan's News International reported, citing eyewitnesses.

"We have received nine dead and more than 30 wounded," a spokesman for Peshawar's Lady Reading Hospital told Agence France-Presse.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Peshawar suicide blast
Peshawar suicide blast (Google Maps)
Pakistan