An Iraqi policeman inspects the site of a bombing in Ramadi, Iraq. Two suicide bombs went off killing at least 23 people. An Iraqi policeman inspects the site of a bombing in Ramadi, Iraq. Two suicide bombs went off killing at least 23 people. (Associated Press)

At least 23 people were killed, including 13 police officers, and the governor of Anbar province was among the injured when two suicide bombs rocked central Iraq on Wednesday.

The bombers struck in Ramadi about 115 kilometres west of Baghdad. The first suicide bomb went off in a car on the main road near the provincial administration buildings.

Police official Lt.-Col. Imad al-Fahdawi told The Associated Press that Gov. Qassim al-Fahdawi, the deputy police chief and other officials came to inspect the damage. Another suicide bomber on foot then detonated a vest full of explosives nearby.

The deputy police chief was killed and the governor and other officials wounded, al-Fahdawi said.

Dr. Ahmed Abid Mohammed said 23 people were killed and 57 injured including the governor, who suffered burns on his face, injuries to his abdomen and other areas.

There are 18 provincial governors in Iraq. Anbar is primarily Sunni, the same sect of Islam as former dictator Saddam Hussein.

With files from The Associated Press