bomb in the north-western Pakistani town of Mardan has killed at least 10 people and wounded more than 16.

Some reports say the death toll is at least 13, including four soldiers. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack.

The blast occurred in a bakery in a military area, policeman Hamidullah Khan told Reuters news agency.

Mardan has seen previous attacks from Islamist militants - a bomb in a police station killed four people last month.

Mardan police chief Akhtar Ali Shah told the Associated Press news agency that a suicide bomber had detonated the bomb at the gate of the bakery.

An eyewitness said at least 12 people were taken to hospital.

The North West Frontier Province is considered a haven for militants with links to the Taleban and al-Qaeda.

Pakistan's government, which came to power at the end of March, has said it will deal with Islamic militancy through dialogue and development.

There has been a decrease in attacks since the government took office.