At least 50 dead after car bomb explodes in Baghdad

A car bomb in Baghdad has killed at least 50 people and injured more than 60 others, according to officials.

The explosion ripped through Iraq's capital shortly before sunset on Thursday after an explosives laden vehicle blew up in the city's southwestern al-Bayaa neighborhood.

The bombing comes in the wake of a series of similar bombings which shook the city in the last few days killing at least a further 24 people.

Officials speaking on the condition of anonymity told news agencies the bombing had targeted cars agents and dealers.

According to reports the bombing has been claimed by the so-called Islamic State.