The Iraqi vice-president, Tariq al-Hashemi, has alleged that a series of bombings which killed nearly seventy people in Baghdad on Thursday was organised from within the Iraqi government.

Mr Hashemi told BBC Persian television that only government involvement could explain why the bombers were able to plant so many explosives unhindered.

And he claimed the prime minister was trying to get rid of his political rivals.

Get in touch with Today via email , Twitter or Facebook or text us on 84844.