At least 27 people killed in Philippines church bombing

At least 27 people have been killed and 77 injured after two bombs exploded at a Catholic cathedral in the Philippines.

The first bomb went off in or near the church in Jolo during Sunday mass.

This was followed by a second blast outside the building as government forces responded to the attack.

The explosions tore away the entrance to the cathedral and ripped through the main hall, shredding pews.

Images from the scene showed debris and bodies lying on the street outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which has been targeted by bombs in the past.

Troops in armoured vehicles sealed off the main road leading to the church, as the wounded were evacuated.

Some of those injured were airlifted to nearby Zamboanga city.

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Skynews