Shia pilgrims killed in Baghdad

Security has been stepped up in Karbala as Shia pilgrims arrive

At least six people have been killed in a car bomb attack against Shia pilgrims in Baghdad, Iraqi officials say.

At least 10 people were injured in the blast in the capital.

It is the latest in a number of recent attacks on Shia pilgrims heading to the holy city of Karbala to mark the birth date of a 9th Century Shia imam.

On Thursday, 18 people died after a female attacker blew herself up while among a group of pilgrims in the town of Iskandariya, south of Baghdad.

Seventy-five people were injured in that attack.

Tens of thousands of Shia pilgrims are expected to flock to Karbala this weekend.

Thousands of troops and police have been mobilised to try to protect the pilgrims - including many female security personnel drafted in to search women after a recent increase in the use of female bombers.