PESHAWAR: Unknown armed men have entered an army-run school on Warsak road, taking it hostage.
12:26pm – More students injured
The number of wounded increases to 30, including one teacher and six children whose condition is reported as critical. A large number of concerned parents have turned up at the site but are being held by security officials.
12:25 pm – Evacuation underway
Military officials confirm that five to six terrorists have entered a school in Peshawar’s Warsak road.
The school has been cordoned off, with a rescue operation in progress. Security officials said that children and teachers are being evacuated.
12:20 pm – Two children killed: hospital
The Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) has confirmed that two students have been killed and 10 injured as a result of gunfire.
Hospital sources said one male and one female student were killed. Two of the 10 injured students are in critical condition.
Reuters reports that the gunmen have taken hundreds of students and teachers hostage.
A Reuters journalist at the scene could hear heavy gunfire from inside the school as soldiers surrounded it.
Military officials said at least six armed men had entered the military-run Army Public School. About 500 students and teachers were believed to be inside.
AFP reports that Taliban militants have attacked the army-run school.
A spokesman for a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan said the gunmen had been ordered to shoot older students at the school in the city of Peshawar.
According to initial reports, the terrorists opened fire on entering the building, wounding least seven people, including five children.
Police sources said that at least six terrorists entered the school after scaling its walls.
A heavy contingent of police and security forces have reached the spot and cordoned off the area as an operation continues.
The Dawn.com News Reported
