CHARSADDA: A policeman died and 14 personnel and 26 civilians suffered injuries in a bomb attack on a police van in Charsadda Bazaar on Tuesday morning.

The District Police Officer Charsadda, Shafiullah Khan, confirmed the bomb attack and the casualties.

The vehicle was carrying 14 personnel from police lines to Charsadda Jail. When it was near the Farooq Azam Chowk on Nowshera Road, a bomb fixed on a motorcycle was detonated by remote control.

The injured were taken to the DHQ Hospital Charsadda where a seriously injured constable, Nasir Khan, succumbed to his injuries during treatment. The injured included shopkeepers and passersby.

The DPO and the DC of Charsadda went to the blast site to supervise rescue work. A large number of local residents and leaders and workers of political parties also took part in the rescue operation. Health authorities declared an emergency at the hospital.

According to bomb disposal unit personnel, the explosive device weighed about 4kg. They said the motorcycle used in the attack had no number plate. An FIR was registered against unnamed saboteurs.

Traders and shopkeepers closed the bazaar after the blast and announced three days of mourning.

At a meeting they condemned the attack and called for adequate security.

Funeral prayer of constable Nasir Khan was held at the police lines.