Islamic State militants have attacked a cafe in Iraq frequented by supporters of the Spanish football club Real Madrid, killing at least 12 people, the BBC reports.

Three men opened fire with machine guns at the al-Furat Cafe in the mainly Shia town of Balad early on Friday.

The assailants fled and hours later one blew himself up after being cornered by Shia militiamen, killing four of them.

In a claim of responsibility, IS said the attack had targeted militiamen and did not mention any connection to Real.

But a statement from Real Madrid said 16 members of a supporters club had died in the attack.

“The club expresses its great sadness and offers its regards and condolences to the families and friends of the victims,” the statement said.