4:47pm IST: The local Tribute newspaper reports that the attack started at around 1:30pm local time (2pm IST). After over about three hours from the start of the attack, the mosque has been cleared by police while search operation is still underway.
The bomb squad earlier neutralised a suicide vest found at the scene of crime.
Radio Pakistan has quoted the Pakistani PM as saying that his government is determined to eliminate terrorism from the country.
K-P IG Nasir Durrani told the local media: "The attackers climbed a high wall and cut barbed wires in order to enter the mosque," adding that the police was now collecting evidence.
4:10pm IST: Death toll in the Peshawar Mosque attack has risen to 22 according to reports. The number of people injured has also climbed to over 60.
3:55pm IST: The deputy commissioner of Peshawar has been quoted by local papers as saying that the attack started with firing from a building near the mosque. Soon after, three or four suicide bombers entered the mosque.
One suicide bomber blew himself up, while another suicide vest was still present inside the mosque until sometime ago. A bomb disposal squad has been called, the commissioner said, adding that the attackers had come in a car and burnt it before barging into the mosque where Friday prayers were ongoing.
The Islamic, anti-terrorist and pro-Shiite movement organisation, Majlis-e-Wahdatul Maslimeen (MWM) has condemned the attack and announced three days of official mourning the country. The party is known particularly for emphasising on the Shiite-Sunni unity.
3:30pm IST: Local news reports have suggested that a hostage situation is underway at the crime scene. A number of worshippers inside the mosque were taken hostage by the militants. Firing between the suspected militants and the police were continuing till some time back.
Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif has directed medical authorities to give the best possible treatment to victims of the blast. Victims have been taken to a nearby hospital.
Several cars caught fire due to the blast.
First version:
Three people have reportedly been killed and 20 left injured in blasts and firing outside a Shia mosque in Peshawar, Pakistan, local media reported on Friday afternoon.
One of blasts took place inside Imamia Masjid, shortly after the Friday prayers, according to local Express News, which was widely cited by various news organisations.
Reports also suggest that further firing could be heard at the site of the blast.
According to SSP (operations), one of the explosions took place near the mosque. An eyewitness was quoted by the Pakistani Tribune newspaper as saying that several grenades were thrown as worshippers performed the last sajda. The witness also said that it was a suicide attack.
Initially reports suggest that there were three blasts.
The nature of the blasts have, however, not been officially confirmed. There is also no official word on Taliban being involved in the attack.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack as of 3pm local time.
Details awaited.
