At least 17 people have been killed and 30 injured in a bomb attack in the Afghan capital Kabul.

There are reportedly four Indians, A Frenchman and an Italian among the victims. The police say a man blew himself up near the Park Residence hotel and the City Centre shopping mall. Many of the hotel's employees are from India.

The initial blast was reportedly followed by smaller explosions, and two insurgents were shot dead by police officers.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility for the attack, which they say was carried out by five suicide terrorists.

Last month, twelve people were killed in a Taliban attack in Kabul.