PAKISTAN: Police have thwarted a suspected suicide attack in a dramatic airport shoot-out.

The attacker opened fire with a pistol on police who challenged him as he walked through the main entrance to Islamabad's international airport.

He then pulled out a grenade that fell at his feet and exploded, killing him.

Witnesses said the terminal was crowded with hundreds of people when the attack happened around 4.10pm yesterday.

Police cordoned off the area and closed all gates leading to the terminal.

Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao said it was a suicide attack He said one policeman and two airport security guards were hurt in the attack, but they were now out of danger.

The incident follows a series of suicide attacks targeting security forces in north-western Pakistan where pro-Taliban militants are active.