The bomb exploded as Judge Aziz Abdullah of the Kirkuk criminal court was driving near the Kirkuk Palace hotel in the centre of the city, police Brigadier General Sarhad Qader said.

Qader, who put the toll at two dead and a total of 10 wounded, said the judge was in a stable condition.

Dr Mohammed Abdullah of Kirkuk General Hospital meanwhile put the toll at two dead and 12 wounded.

Details of those killed and others wounded in the attack were not immediately available.