Gun battles between Iraqi security forces and armed attackers have left at least ten dead and more than 40 injured in Kirkuk.<br /><br />Suicide bombers and gunmen initially launched an assault on police intelligence headquarters in the northern Iraqi city.<br /><br />A two-hour exchange of fire followed.<br /><br />The violence then moved to a nearby shopping mall where several gunmen wearing suicide vests stormed the complex, opening fire before security forces could get there.<br /><br />Shoppers were among the dead and injured.<br /><br />No group has claimed responsibility but areas around Kirkuk are said to be al Qaeda strongholds.
