At least five people were killed and some 20 were injured when two suicide bombers attacked a police checkpoint in northwestern Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday, local television channel Aaj News said, quoting police sources.

The blast occurred when the suicide bombers driving a motorcycle were reportedly nearing the checkpoint in the city of Peshawar's center. Two police officers and three passers-by were killed as the result of the attack, the TV channel said, adding there were also police officers among the injured.

The area has been cordoned off, with police and rescuers working at the scene.

No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Pakistan has seen an upsurge of militant violence over the past few months.

Earlier this week, a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the local Press Club in Peshawar, killing at least three people and wounding another 17. The Peshawar Press Club is a venue for local and foreign journalists working in the region.

Peshawar is the capital of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, which borders Afghanistan. The area has been a stronghold for Taliban radicals who fled Afghanistan after the U.S.-led invasion toppled the Taliban regime there in 2001.

NEW DELHI, December 24 (RIA Novosti)