A suspected bomber has blown himself up outside the US embassy in Tunisia leaving at least five people wounded.

Iran Press/Africa: An explosion has been reported outside the US embassy in the Tunisian capital Tunis, the country's interior ministry said.

Witnesses said a man on a motorbike blew himself up near the diplomatic mission in the Berges du Lac district, causing panic among pedestrians. 

Pictures from the scene show the wreckage of a vehicle with debris from the blast scattered beside a security checkpoint. 

Local media reported that five police officers were injured in the incident which also claimed the life of the attacker.

Police pushed back a gathered crowd and have established a crime scene.

The US embassy was placed on lockdown and evacuation of embassy premises is now underway.

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