Militants have taken at least 250 schoolchildren hostage in Pakistan’s northwestern town of Bannu, reports said quoting the Pakistan interior minister.

The police had earlier said about 25 children had been taken hostage.

They said seven gunmen, who were involved in a clash with the police, took refuge in the school.

Reports also quoted Interior Minister Hamid Nawaz as saying that the provincial government is negotiating with the militants.

Further details soon