Rawalpindi: At least 40 people were killed and 83 injured in several blasts at a Rawalpindi mosque. The attack took place near army headquarters.

Reports say that following the blasts gunmen started to spray spraying bullets on hundreds of Friday worshippers, including military personnel.

Security forces, including elite army commandos, launched a manhunt for the remaining attackers, who were believed to have sneaked into nearby residential neighbourhoods.

There was confusion over the total number of terrorists involved in the attack. Some witnesses said seven to eight gunmen stormed the mosque, which was packed with Friday worshippers.

This mosque is quite near to army headquarters and army personals come here for prayers. Reports say that 40 people were killed and 83 others injured in the attack. Regional Police Officer Aslam Tareen has confirmed the report.

All roads in the area were blocked and soldiers carried out house-to-house searches as helicopters conducted aerial surveillance.