Isis suicide bomber kills at least 20 people at security checkpoint in Baghdad

Officials fear death toll will increase with 35 people injured in blast, many seriously

Iraqi security forces stand guard at the site of a suicide bombing in Kadhimiyah (AFP/Getty Images)

At least 20 people, including four police officers, were killed when a suicide bomber attacked a busy security checkpoint in Iraqi capital Baghdad, medical officials have confirmed.

Isis claimed responsibility for the attack in which the bomber walked up to a checkpoint at the entrance of the Kadhimiyah district and detonated his explosive belt.

A further 35 people were injured during the explosion, with many in a critical condition in hospital with severe burns and wounds, medical staff told the Associated Press.

Isis posted a series of statements online, saying the bomber had acted on its behalf.

A security source told Iraqi News: “A suicide bomber wearing an explosive belt detonated on the street leading from the Eden Square to Sanaa Square.

“The [death and injury toll] is likely to increase. Security forces later cordoned off the area. Ambulances rushed to the area and moved the injured victims to a nearby hospital."

Shia neighbourhoods like Kadhimiyah are frequent targets for Isis, which currently controls large areas in northern and western Iraq.

On 7 July, nearly 300 people were killed during an Isis car bombing at a shopping centre in Baghdad, the worst terror attack to hit the capital since the Iraq war.