At least six people have lost their lives, and 28 others have been injured after armed men opened fire inside a church in the province of Karak, Jordan, about 150 miles [1 145 km] south of the capital, Amman.

According to Jordan’s public safety agency, the event took place during a mortar ceremony at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, in the town of Hmood, a majority Christian area.

Authorities have indicated that the authors, whose identity is still unknown, are looking for security forces.

Witnesses said the attackers had been shooting for several minutes. One of them allegedly carried an AK-47-type automatic rifle.

Initially, state media reported seven victims, but then security authorities corrected the balance in six deaths and 28 injured.

The reason for this change is not yet known.

Security forces are continuing investigations and search for persons responsible for the attack. /Telegraphy/