Shia Muslims killed in Pakistan

Gunmen in north-western Pakistan have killed four Shia Muslims in what seems to be a sectarian attack, say police.

The attack took place in the town of Dera Ismail Khan, about 186 miles (300kms) from the regional capital, Peshawar, officials said.

One police officer also died in the shootout while pursuing the attackers.

Shias make up for less than 20% of Pakistan's population and militants from both communities have killed thousands in tit-for-tat attacks.

Dera Ismail Khan has witnessed a number of sectarian killings in the past.

"It seems to be a sectarian attack, but we are still investigating," area police chief Silahuddin Khan was quoted by news agency Associated Press as saying.

He said the victims had a rivalry with an outlawed Sunni militant group accused of targeting Shia Muslims across the country.

The attackers later escaped on a motorcycle.