Dhaka: At least 15 people were killed and over 200 injured in a series of bomb explosions set off simultaneously in four crowded cinema halls in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district on December 7 evening.

Police said the incident occurred at the cinema houses when they were running to packed capacity on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

A bomb ripped through a hall when a large number of people were coming out of it after the evening show. Bombs went off at three other theatres also, where the shows were on.

None has so far claimed responsibility for the blasts.

Hundreds of relatives gathered outside the hospital to know about the condition of their near and dear ones.

Firefighters and police surrounded the theatres and prevented people from going inside to search for their friends and relatives.

Meanwhile, hospital authorities have appealed for blood donations to treat the injured.

Ten people were killed instantly, while five others succumbed to injuries on way to hospital, Jahangir Alam, a journalist with United News of Bangladesh told AP.

Alam was standing near one of the theatres before the explosions occurred.

"I heard a big bang and then saw many people running for shelter," Alam said.

"There were bodies lying in blood and many injured crying for help."

PTI