Eight persons were killed and seventeen others injured when a suicide blast occurred in RA Bazar of Rawalpindi early Monday morning, Geo News reported.

According to reports, a suicide bomber riding a bicycle was intercepted when he blew himself near RA Bazar that killed eight persons including a 19-year-old student who was on his way to college. The deceased included five security men and three civilians, sources told.

Police and military officials said a suicide bomber was possibly involved in today’s attack, which was powerful enough to smash windows in nearby buildings.

"Apparently it was a suicide attack," a military official told.

The intensity of the blast shattered glass windows in the area. Security was put on high alert throughout the area after the blast.

Rescue and hospital sources told that 17 others including school students were also injured who were shifted to nearby hospitals including CMH and MS.

Security forces reached the site immediately after the incident and cordoned off the area while the residents were forced to stay indoors. Bomb disposal squad was called in to ascertain the safety of the residents.