A powerful bomb blast near the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta has killed at least four people and injured 11 others.

Iran PressAsia: The blast occurred in the parking lot of the Serena Hotel, setting the site on fire and damaging dozens of nearby vehicles and buildings, Pakistani television quoted Quetta police.

Hospital sources in Quetta told the media that the death toll is likely to rise.

The Pakistani Taliban have claimed the attack, without giving details.

The Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan is suspected to have been the target of the attack in the car park of the Serena Hotel, correspondents say.

Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad told Pakistani broadcaster ARY News TV that "a car that was full of explosives exploded in the hotel".

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