An American diplomat has shot and killed two Pakistani men riding on a motorcycle in the city of Lahore, apparently in self-defense, according to local police.

Lahore police officials told Agence France Presse (AFP) that the diplomat fired his pistol at men who were pursuing his car. The U.S. Embassy has also confirmed the incident.

Police told Reuters news agency that they were investigating whether or not the two men on the motorcycle were seeking to rob the diplomat.

The American was stopped at a traffic light when two men on the motorcycle stopped near his car, police said.

The American national told us he was driving his vehicle and stopped at a traffic signal. He saw motorcycle riders and one pulled out a pistol. The man told us he pulled out his pistol in self-defense, Lahore police chief Aslam Tarin told AFP.

Police officer Umar Saeed said that the American was being held in custody.

To protest the killing, more than 100 people blocked the road after the incident, setting tires on fire

Security U.S.