Israeli policeman dies of suicide bomb wounds

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- An Israeli policeman has died of wounds he suffered Monday night in a suicide bombing at a police checkpoint in West Jerusalem, Israeli police said.

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Police stopped a car at a major intersection, and the bomber set off the explosive device as the officer approached to inspect the vehicle, police said. The bomber was killed, making the blast the seventh terror attack -- six suicide bombings and one shooting -- in six days.

Israeli police spokesman Gil Kleiman said it was unclear if the explosive was on the car or attached to the bomber.

Not many people were in the area around the checkpoint, Kleiman said, but the bomber was stopped only a few hundred yards from the center of the city.

Police combed through the mangled and burned white car looking for other explosives.

Kleiman said the policeman suffered the only injury at the scene. He said, however, that others may have suffered shock. Ambulance services had earlier cited three injuries.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

Kleiman said Monday's blast marked the 35th suicide bombing since January 22.

"What we are seeing tonight is another reason why Israel has to defend its people," said Gideon Mayer, a spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry.