Many killed in blast in north western Pakistan

At least 17 people have been killed in a bomb blast in Pakistan's north-western Bajaur district local officials say.

The blast is reported to have targeted security forces close to a marketplace in Khar, the tribal area's main town.

Five of those killed were tribal policemen and one of them had received a presidential award for bravery in fighting militants, reports said.

The Pakistani Taliban say it was a suicide bombing.

Orla Guerin reports from Islamabad.