A luxury hotel in Pakistan has been attacked by suicide bombers, resulting in the death of at least 18 people.
Rescue teams are now searching for survivors in the rubble of the Pearl Continental hotel in Peshawar, including a manager of the hotel.
The well-known landmark hotel is a favourite of foreigners and wealthy Pakistanis, making it a high-profile target for militants. It is known for good Western as well as local food and five-star service.
Police official Liaqat Ali said three men riding in a truck approached the main gate of the hotel and opened fire at security guards before driving inside, according to the BBC.
"They drove the vehicle inside the hotel gates and blew it up on reaching close to the hotel building."
It is reported that the bomb was in a car. The attackers fired on a checkpoint in front of the hotel. They then took the car round the back of the hotel and set the bomb off.
No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack but the Taliban are likely culprits having launched a wave of attacks in Pakistan in retaliation for a military campaign in the Swat Valley region.
Last year, a bomb attack at Islamabad's Marriott Hotel killed more than 50 people and wounded dozens.
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By Gemma Sharkey
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