LAHORE, Oct 7: Security was tightened in the city and elsewhere in Punjab after an attack on a place of worship in Mandi Bahauddin left eight people dead and 20 injured.

The attack by motorcyclists on the Ahmadis’ place of worship was reported when the worshippers were offering morning prayers.

Involving a team of Crimes Investigation Department (CID), which was dispatched to the scene of the crime, Punjab IGP Ziaul Hasan Khan also set up three special teams to probe the attack.

The IGP also sent an emergency message to all police heads in the province for stepping up security, asking them to take all possible measures to check terrorism.

“We have taken all necessary steps after the attack. We are alert. We have given extra security to all places of worship for minorities. We have also increased police patrolling in sensitive areas,” Lahore security police chief Ahmad Mobin said. He added police deployment at mosques, Imam Bargahs and foreign installations had been enhanced.

The IGP also gave instructions to the Gujranwala police DIG for an early arrest of the culprits involved in the attack, wanting him to conduct investigation round the clock besides keeping him informed of investigation progress.

The IGP also asked the police heads to ensure presence of security guards hired by the caretakers of the places of worship besides police deployed there.