Shrapnel-riddled cars of Lebanese Lt. Col. Samir Shehade's convoy, that was targeted while it was driving by the village of Rmaile, near the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2006.

Lebanese authorities say four people are dead after an apparent assassination attempt against a top Lebanese police official near the southern city of Sidon.

Officials say Colonel Samir Shehade was wounded, but in stable condition after a bomb exploded near his car Tuesday.  The blast killed four of his aides and bodyguards, and wounded four others.

There was no immediate word on a possible motive for the attack against Shehade, a senior officer in Lebanon's internal security force.  He was involved in the investigation of last year's killing of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri.

Many in Lebanon blame Syria for the Hariri murder, which the United Nations also is investigating separately.  Syria denies any involvement.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.