Tripoli, May 25 (IANS): A car bomb explosion killed six people and injured more than 20 in the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, a local official said.

The blast occurred on the Jamal Abdannaser street near Tibisti Hotel late on Thursday, said Benghazi joint security chamber's spokesman Tariq al-Kharraz.

The area was closed off for fear of other similar attacks, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Libyan TV channel released images of the aftermath of the explosion showing a number of burnt vehicles and massive destruction in the street as well as ambulances transporting victims.

"It is too early to reveal any information related to the attack", which was "purely terrorist", the spokesperson said.

Benghazi, Libya's second largest city, has been targeted frequently by car bombs and suicide attacks.

In response to the deteriorating security situation, the city set up a joint security chamber comprising Army and police officers.