Suicide bomber detonates ambulance in Iraq

At least 17 people have died in two suicide bombings in the Iraqi cities of Tikrit and Samarra, police officers and medical staff have said, ITV News reported.

One attacker detonated an ambulance packed with explosives at the entrance to Tikrit city in the early morning 'rush hour' on Sunday, killing nine people.

Two others were also killed in a second bombing on a car park for Shi'ite pilgrims visiting the al-Askari mosque in the nearby city of Samarra, around 30 miles to the south of Tikrit.

Authorities in both cities declared curfews, fearing possible further attacks.