At least eight people were killed and over 40 injured when terrorists stormed a church in Quetta on Sunday.

Officials said security forces intercepted and shot one bomber outside but the second attacker managed to reach the church?s main door where he blew himself up.

Balochistan provincial home minister Sarfraz Bugti said around 250 people normally attend the church on Sundays, but the congregation had swelled to around 400 because it was close to Christmas.

"God forbid, if the terrorists had succeeded in their plans more than 400 precious lives would have been at stake," tweeted the home minister.

Pakistani security personnel take position after suicide bombers attacked a Methodist church during a Sunday service in Quetta ? AFP 

 

A policeman takes position after gunmen attacked the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta ? Reuters 

Army vehicles and ambulances gather outside the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church after an attack by gunmen, in Quetta ? Reuters 

Pakistani Christians are evacuated by security personnel from a Methodist church after a suicide bomber attack during a Sunday service in Quetta ? AFP 

 

A man carries a girl as he runs out with others after gunmen attacked the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta ? Reuters 

 

Policemen guide children after gunmen attacked the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta ? Reuters

People are evacuated by security personnel from a Methodist church after a suicide bomber attack during a Sunday service in Quetta on December 17, 2017 ? AFP 

People seen evacuating the Methodist church after a suicide bomber attack during a Sunday service in Quetta on December 17, 2017 ? AFP