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A pipe bomb has reportedly been detonated in a controlled explosion close to Sri Lanka's Colombo International Airport.

The country's air force is claimed to have discovered the improvised device and destroyed it.

According to Sirasa News1st, the device was found on a road close to the airport, and destroyed in a controlled explosion.

Gihan Seneviratne, a spokesman from Sri Lanka's Air Force, told the Sri Lankan Sunday Times: "A PVC pipe which was six feet in length containing explosives in it was discovered."

Sky News journalist Neville Lazarus posted on Twitter : "Colombo International Airport in lock down. Security drill on a suspect package. Just heard a blast in the distance. Hope what ever it was was diffused / destroyed."

BBC journalist Azzam Ameen posted: "An Improvised Explosive Device detected near Katunayake Airport & disposed in controlled explosion at site by SLAF EOD Personnel.- Sri Lanka Airforce"

(Image: @BHANOOB)

It comes just hours after more than 200 people died in separate bomb explosions across Sri Lanka.

Three churches and three hotels were hit in the horrific attacks in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa.

A seventh blast in Colombo, hours later, killed two. In the Dematagoda suburb of the capital city three police officers were killed as they pursued suspects.

Authorities said 207 were killed and 450 injured in the attacks, most of which were being blamed on suspected suicide bombers.

Sri Lanka's ministry of foreign affairs said five Brits - including two with dual US nationality - were among the dead.

At least 27 of those who died were foreigners, Sri Lanka's foreign ministry confirmed.