Baghdad, Oct 14 (IANS) At least eight people were killed and 14 wounded Wednesday in a mortar attack followed by gunfire at a crowded market in northwestern Baghdad, Xinhua reported.

The attack occurred after midday when three mortar rounds landed in a busy market in the al-Jawadein neighbourhood. It was followed by another attack by unknown armed men riding several vehicles. They targeted money exchange offices and jewellery shops, a source told Xinhua.

The attackers stormed the shops with hand grenades and small arms fire, the source said.

Most of the victims were workers and owners of the shops and offices.

The attackers stole money and jewels.

Iraqi security forces cordoned off the area to secure the scene while ambulances and cars carried the victims to nearby hospitals.