Five die, 45 hurt in Pakistan blast (Second Lead)

ISLAMABAD - At least five people were killed and 45 others injured Thursday in a suicide bomb attack in northwest Pakistan.

The bomber blew himself up around 12.30 p.m. near a security convoy in the downtown area of Mingora city where a cultural festival was underway, Xinhua reported.

The injured, including two women and seven children, were taken to a hospital.

Three vehicles of the convoy were damaged. The body parts of the bomber were found, eyewitnesses said.

Police have cordoned off the area and a massive search for militants is underway. A bomb squad was called in to search for explosives.

Local media reported that the police had prior information about a suicide bomber entering the city.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.