Two policemen were killed and a senior officer was injured in a landmine blast in Maoist-infested Lalgarh in West Midnapore on Thursday, a senior police official said.

Two policemen of the bomb disposal squad, who had gone to defuse the mine after getting information, were killed when it exploded. One officer sustained injuries, Inspector General Banibrata Basu said.

Some newsmen and photographers were also reportedly injured in the blast.

Basu said that Maoists observed their foundation day on Thursday in the district and left the mine at Lalgarh area. Basu, who was rushing to the spot, said that details were still awaited.