PESHAWAR, June 23: Two persons were killed in a cross-fire between two rival parties at Faqir Killay in Mathra area here on Tuesday night, said a senior police official. Later, a city police contingent went to the area and averted further bloodshed and arrested 10 persons from both sides.

Speaking at a press conference at the Police Headquarters here on Wednesday, SSP operations Abid Ali said a police team had gone to Faqir Killay after receiving information about firing between two rival parties. They arrested 10 persons of both groups and recovered arms used in the shooting. But by that time one person from each side were killed during the cross-fire, the SSP said.

Fateh Mohammad, leader of his own group, said Niaz Ali had a dispute with him over a piece of land. On Tuesday night Niaz Ali, along with his 12 armed accomplices, came to the disputed land and opened fire on them, injured Fateh Mohammad told the police.

As a result Attaullah, son of Fateh Mohammad, and a rival, Naseem, son of Panu, were killed on the spot. The six persons arrested of the Niaz Ali group were Mohammad Sharif, Younus, Rehman Ali, Malang, Zar Wali and Omra Khan, while four of the other party included Fateh Ali, Rameez, Shahid and Amjad.

The police also seized six Kalashnikovs, two 30-bore pistols and over 100 bullets. Meanwhile, the city police claimed to have arrested four hardened criminals and six other outlaws from Kagawala village in Badhber locality.

The arrested include Sikandar Shah, Noor, Falak Niaz, Razi Khan, Riaz Khan, Mukamal Shah, Sadiq Shah, Noor Akbar and Asif. Six Kalashnikovs, four riffles, two pistols and 800 cartridges of different bore weapons were seized from their possession.