At least six militants have been killed during an attack on a Pakistani air force base in Peshawar, officials say.

Up to 10 gunmen attacked a guard post and then entered the Badaber air base, Major General Asim Bajwa said.

He said security forces had surrounded the area and a hunt was on for the remaining gunmen.

In an email to reporters, the Pakistani Taliban said they ordered the attack. Peshawar has frequently been targeted by militants.

Last December more than 150 students and teachers were killed when Taliban gunmen attacked an army-run school in the city.

Gen Bajwa said a rapid response force engaged the attackers and contained them around a guard room.

Two soldiers, one of them a major, had been injured in the exchange of fire, he said, but added that "clearance operations" were now in progress.

Later reports said more casualties had arrived in different hospitals.

In an email, Pakistani Taliban spokesman Muhammad Khurasani said a "suicidal unit" had carried out the attack.