A SUICIDE bomber killed at least 48 people in the north-western Pakistani city of Peshawar today and wounded more than 150.

Sarbakaf Mohmand, a commander for the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack on a crowded mosque inside a police compound on Twitter.

The bomber detonated his suicide vest as some 150 worshipers, including many police officers, were praying inside.

The impact of the explosion caused the roof of the mosque to cave in, injuring many people, according to local police officer Zafar Khan.

Police officer Meena Gul said that he had been inside the mosque when the bomb went off.

Mr Gul said he didn’t know how he had survived unhurt. He told of hearing cries and screams after the bomb exploded.

Rescuers scrambled to remove mounds of debris from the mosque grounds and reach worshippers still trapped under the rubble.

Police official Siddique Khan said that several of the wounded were in a critical condition in hospital and there were fears that the death toll would rise.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and ordered authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the victims.

He also vowed “stern action” against those responsible for the attack.

Former prime minister Imran Khan also condemned the bombing in a Twitter posting.

Mr Khan wrote: “It is imperative we improve our intelligence gathering & properly equip our police forces to combat the growing threat of terrorism.”

The Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, has waged an insurgency in Pakistan over the past 15 years, fighting for stricter enforcement of Islamic laws and a reduction of the military presence in the former tribal regions.