Multiple bomb blasts rock Ukraine

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

WARNING - EDIT CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

Four bombs planted in rubbish bins explode in the Ukrainian city of Dnipropetrovsk at short intervals, injuring up to 27 people, the Ukrainian Interior Ministry said.

President Viktor Yanukovich said the bomb blasts were "a challenge ... to the whole country."

The first blast occurred at a tram stop at 11:50 a.m. (0850 GMT), injuring five people. The second explosion came 30 minutes later next to a cinema, injuring seven people, the Emergencies Ministry said in a statement.

The third blast followed shortly afterwards next to a park, it said.

It was unclear whether there were any injuries from the fourth explosion which also took place in the downtown area.

Police said the blasts had been caused by explosive devices planted in trash bins.