Blast in Pakistan leaves dozens dead

At least 45 people have been killed and nearly 100 injured in a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in north-west Pakistan, BBC News reports, citing local officials.

The attack took place during Friday prayers in the Darra Adam Khel area, near Pakistan's tribal regions.

The roof of the mosque had caved in, and the death toll was likely to rise, officials say.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack, the latest in a series of mosque and shrine bombings.

The Pakistani Taliban have claimed responsibility for such attacks in the past and have been active in the Darra area.

Witnesses contacted by the BBC said the bomber was on foot. He blew himself up at the main gate of the mosque after Friday prayers had ended and worshippers were coming out of the mosque.

The target could have been a tribal elder who had encouraged people to take a stand against the Taliban, according to one report. It is not clear whether he was among the victims.