At least six police officers, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Asad Mehmood, were killed and four others injured when armed militants targeted a police mobile van on Shakardara Road in Kohat district, officials said on Tuesday.

According to police sources, the attackers opened fire on the van and then set it on fire, spreading panic in the area.

The injured officers were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Security forces and additional police personnel reached the scene after the attack and launched a cordon-and-search operation in the surrounding area.

Police officials say that the bodies of the martyred police officials have been shifted to the hospital for legal formalities.

According to initial information, the attack was an ambush in which the police van was badly damaged.

Following this attack, security has been put on high alert in Kohat and surrounding areas and with strict checking enforced at entry and exit points.

Senior police officers say that strict action will be taken against elements trying to sabotage law and order, adding that the sacrifices of DSP Asad Mehmood and other officials will not be allowed to go in vain.