Fighters from the Islamic State (IS) group have attacked government buildings in the city of Kirkuk in Iraq, , killing at least six police officers and 16 civilians. Twelve IS terrorists were also killed in the dawn attack.

The Governor of Kirkuk said the attack was carried out by IS sleeper cells. BBC quoting local media reports that a state of emergency had been declared in the state.

Separately, Iraqi government forces are continuing an offensive to re-take the IS-held city of Mosul to the north.