BANNU/KOHAT, Nov 22: Five policemen were killed and five others injured when suspected militants attacked a checkpost and a police van in two districts of the NWFP on Friday night.

The militants attacked the Lowara Pull police post in Bannu with heavy weapons. The police exchanged fire with them.

Three constables were killed and two others injured in the battle.

The deceased policemen were identified as Baseerullah, Siffatullah and Khalid Khan.

The injured were ASI Said Azam and constable Muzamil Khan.

Officials said the attack could be a reaction to the US missile attack in Janikhel area of Bannu which had killed four people on Wednesday.

The attackers also fired rockets on the police post, leaving it damaged badly.

The militants also attacked the Howaid police station.

The police returned the fire and fighting continued for about an hour.

In Hangu district, two policemen were killed and three others injured when the militants fired a rocket at a police van in Doaba area.

Officials said the police mobile with five policemen was patrolling the Mamokhwar area when the militants fired several rockets on it.

One of the constables, Ikramud Din, died while Arshad succumbed to injuries in the CMH in Thall.

The injured constables—Zafar Ali, Momin Ali and Khayal Zaman—were taken to Peshawar in critical condition.

Police have launched a hunt for the attackers in the area.

Three killed in Hangu blast