Bogota  - An attack by leftist rebels in the Colombian town of Roberto Payan left six people dead, including three children, Colombian authorities said Wednesday.

The attack was perpetrated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) around midday Tuesday, and it was aimed at the town police station, said Roberto Payan Mayor Pedro Angulo.

Initially following the attack, three children - aged 8, 11 and 12 - were reported dead. Ten injured people were taken to hospitals in Tumaco and in Pasto.

"The number of dead rose to six, and some of the injured are in very delicate condition. The situation in the town is under control, thanks to God and to the reaction of public forces following the attack," Angulo said.

He said that the rebels threw gas cylinders with explosives and shot at police, although only civilians died in the attack.

"The attack started around midday and lasted about two hours. At that time people were having lunch," Angulo told the radio station Caracol Radio.

The Colombian government said Wednesday that it plans to report the attack before human rights organizations.

FARC have been fighting the Colombian government for over 40 years. (dpa)