Four suicide bombers were killed after they attempted to attack a Christian colony near Peshawar in Pakistan in the early hours of this morning.

Pakistan commando forces backed up by military helicopters opened fire on the terrorists, all wearing suicide bomb vests. They were all killed, two by their own suicide vests and the other two by the guards. One resident of the Christian colony also died.

General Asim Bajwa, head of the Pakistan Army's media arm, said a clearance operation is under way. He tweeted: "Terrorist attacked Christian Colony Warsak Road, Peshawar. Sec forces Promptly responded, all 4 suicide bombers killed. Search in progress."

The Pakistan Army said in a statement: "Four suicide bombers with arms and ammunition entered the Christian Colony at Warsak after hitting a security guard at 5.50am.

"Security forces promptly responded and surrounded the area. Exchange of fire took place and all four terrorists were killed."

Two soldiers, a policeman and two security guards were wounded.

House-to-house searches are currently being conducted.

Mian Ifthikhar Hussain, a senior member of the Awami National Party, tweeted:

Award-winning Newsweek Pakistan journalist Benazir Shar said there are about 25 Christian residences in the colony, which is near Warsak Dam. She reported that the aim of the gunmen, who had suicide bombs strapped to their bodies, had appeared to be to take hostages.

A senior security official told Pakistan Today: "The military commandos have moved in. We are not sure of the exact number of attackers at the moment but there seem to be more than two."  He confirmed that one resident of the colony was also killed.

Christians are repeatedly targeted by Islamists in Pakistan. At Easter this year, more than 70 people including children were murdered when a Taliban suicide bomber attacked Christians in eastern Lahore. Christians are also often accused of blasphemy and imprisoned or worse.

Pakistan is currently at number six on the Open Doors world watch persecution list.