Police officers said the bomber was among the 450-strong crowd and had detonated the device on reaching the main square in the city on Friday.

The explosion triggering chaotic scenes, with some people set on fire as others fled or lay on the ground to avoid ongoing gunfire.

The bomb appeared to target the rally being held for al-Quds day, an international event held every year by the Shia community in opposition to Israel’s control of Jerusalem and to show solidarity with Palestinian Muslims.