The bomber detonated his explosives at the gate of the governor’s office in Paghman district, west of Kabul, said Ebadullah Karimi, Kabul police spokesperson.

The head of the Criminal Investigation Department for the district was among the dead.

“Around 40 people were injured,” Karimi said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility.

Paghman, a hilly district 20 kilometres west of Kabul, is a popular picnic destination among Kabul residents, with retreat chalets, forest and streams.