52 dead as blasts hit Sri Lanka churches, hotels celebrating Easter

The first explosions were reported at St Anthony's Shrine (pictured) in Colombo and St Sebastian's Church in the town of Negombo just outside the capital. [AFP]

At least 52 people were killed in Sri Lanka on Sunday, police told AFP, when a string of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches as worshippers attended Easter services.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said at least 42 people were killed in Colombo, where three hotels and a church were hit.