8 Dec 2009

Scores killed as explosions rock Baghdad

10:29 pm on 8 December 2009

Several large explosions have killed at least 77 people and wounded 128 in the centre of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad.

The first blast targeted a police patrol in the Dora district of the city. At least four others occurred near official buildings within minutes, the BBC reports.

In October, co-ordinated bombs attacks killed at least 155 people and wounded hundreds in Baghdad.

However, Iraqi government figures have shown that violence generally has fallen over the past 18 months.

Tuesday's explosions shook houses across the capital.

Official buildings located near the blasts include the interior ministry, the social affairs ministry, a university and the institute of fine arts.

At least eight people - mostly children - died in a school bombing on Monday.