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British embassy vehicle hit in suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital Kabul British G4S security worker killed after embassy vehicle hit in suicide bomb attack in the Afghan capital Kabul
(about 5 hours later)
A British embassy vehicle has been hit in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul, leaving a number of staff injured. A British security worker was among five people killed after a UK embassy vehicle was hit in a suicide bomb attack in Kabul.
At least five Afghan civilians have been killed and up to 34 hurt, officials have said, after the vehicle was hit by an explosion in the country's capital. An Afghan national working for the embassy in Kabul was also killed, while a second British member of the G4S security team was injured in the attack.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, it has been reported. Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond condemned the "appalling" strike, in which a further three Afghan nationals were killed and 33 civilians were wounded.
Some of those travelling in the vehicle were wounded in the attack, although the extent of their injuries has not been immediately confirmed. The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, according to reports.
An embassy spokesman said the vehicle was not carrying any British diplomats at the time of the attack in the eastern part of the Afghanistan capital.
A NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldier inspects a British embassy vehicle which was targeted in a suicide attack in Kabul (AFP/Getty Images)
A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that a British Embassy vehicle has been attacked in Kabul. A number of staff have been injured.
"We are working with the Afghan authorities to establish details of the incident."
She was unable to give any details of the conditions of those hurt.
The blast shook parts of the city, while a huge plume of dust and smoke was sent into the air.
Deputy Interior Minister General Mohammad Ayub Salangi has said foreign vehicles "were targeted by a suicide attacker on a motorcycle."
Earlier, a local police officer said the attacker was in a car packed with explosives.
The area of the blast in the eastern part of the city has a number of foreign compounds and international military installations.The area of the blast in the eastern part of the city has a number of foreign compounds and international military installations.
It is the latest in a wave of attacks to have hit Kabul as the majority of foreign combat troops withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of the year.It is the latest in a wave of attacks to have hit Kabul as the majority of foreign combat troops withdraw from Afghanistan by the end of the year.
A NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldier inspects a British embassy vehicle which was targeted in a suicide attack in Kabul (AFP/Getty Images)
Mr Hammond said: "This morning a British Embassy vehicle was attacked in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
"I am deeply saddened to confirm that a British national civilian security team member and an Afghan national working for the embassy were killed in the incident. A second British member of the security team was injured.
"I condemn this appalling attack on innocent civilians supporting our diplomatic activity. The families of the victims have been informed and my thoughts are with them. The Foreign Office will do everything it can to support them.
"This outrage brings home to us once again the courage and perseverance of the people of Afghanistan and members of the international community who support them, who have lived together through decades of conflict.
"We will not allow such inhumanity to deter us from continuing our partnership with the government of Afghanistan.
"I have nothing but admiration for the staff of the embassy, British and Afghan, who work at great personal risk to help build a better future for Afghanistan."
The Afghan Interior Ministry said one of the four Afghans killed in the attack was the driver of the embassy vehicle.
In a statement, G4S said: "At 10.20am local time this morning in Kabul a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated targeting a British Embassy vehicle moving through the city.
"A local member of the embassy staff and an expatriate G4S security team member were both killed in the explosion. A second British member of the G4S security team was injured.
"An investigation into the incident is under way and therefore we are unable to comment further at this time.
"Next of kin have been informed and we will continue to provide them with support. Our thoughts and most heartfelt condolences are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved in this tragic incident."
Conflicting reports emerged this morning, with some suggesting the attack was staged by a bomber riding a motorcycle, while other suggested a car packed with explosives was used.
In a regular statement updating the House of Commons on the latest situation in Afghanistan, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the attack was "a tragic reminder that there are some who still seek to undermine the progress that has been made towards peace and security in that country".
In recent weeks, insurgents have launched attacks on military convoys and compounds housing foreign service companies and their international employees.In recent weeks, insurgents have launched attacks on military convoys and compounds housing foreign service companies and their international employees.
Additional reporting by agenciesAdditional reporting by agencies