A suicide bomber detonated his explosive near a police contingent in Lahore on Wednesdy night, killing seven people including 2 policemen.

The bombing came as Lahoris were just about to begin the Independence Day celebrations. Suicide bomber hit at the Dubai Chowk in city’s posh area of Allama Iqbal Town, minutes before the date changed to 14 August.

Senior Police office Mushtaq Sukhaira confirmed 7 people were dead, among them five civilians and two policemen. He said 16 people were injured including 12 police officers. Other reports put the number of wounded at 30. Two of the civilian killed were mother and her 32 year old son, who had come to dine at a restaurant.

The police were deployed at busy market place area of Dubai Chowk as part of security for the Independence Day celebrations. They were standing in front of a mosque when the bomber get closer to them and blew himself up, according to eyewitness accounts.

The blast shattered the window pans of nearby buildings and result in power failure, plunging the area into darkness. Police soon arrived at the scene and put a cordon. The dead bodies and wounded were rushed to hospitals.

Police also recovered the head and lower limbs of suicide bomber. His face was not distorted unlike in the case of earlier suicide bombings. Mr. Shukhair hoped it would prove a help in investigation.

Nobody claimed responsibility of the attack. But a Taliban Spokesman in north western district Swat Wednesday advised civilians to stay away from Independence Day Celebration.