Briton killed in Afghanistan car bomb attack named

The British man killed in a terrorist car bomb attack in Afghanistan has been named by government officials as Michael Hampshire, from Huddersfield.

Mr Hampshire was working as a security contractor for the close protection team of the EU Police Mission in Kabul when he was killed.

In a statement released through the Foreign Office, Mr Hampshire's family said he was a "loving fiancé, son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to everyone who knew him".

Known as Mic, Mr Hampshire leaves behind a fiancée of more than six months, Claire Taylor.

The attack appears to have deliberately targeted vehicles belonging to the EU police training mission. The Taliban has claimed responsibility.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has condemned the "cowardly" attack that has killed at least three people, including a Briton, and wounding 18.

He said: "This is the second attack in a matter of days for which the Taliban have claimed responsibility and I strongly condemn their cowardly actions.

"I can confirm that a British security contractor is among those killed in the attack. His family has been informed and my thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time. Consular staff stand ready to provide support.

"Two Afghan women have also sadly lost their lives and many more have been injured. These attacks must not stop the people of Afghanistan, with the support of the international community, working towards a more peaceful future."

A Foreign Office has confirmed that a British national has been killed in a terror attack in the Afghan capital of Kabul.

A Taliban suicide bomber detonated an explosives-packed car near the international airport in the capital, Kabul, killing at least three people and wounding 18.

A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a British national was tragically killed in a terrorist attack in Kabul this morning. We stand ready to provide consular assistance to the family."

The attack this morning appears to have targeted vehicles of the European Union police training mission. The car bomb was detonated near the office of the Afghan Civil Aviation Authority, which is a few hundred metres from the airport terminal. A Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack.

A loud explosion rocked the Afghan capital and witnesses told a television station the blast was near Kabul's airport.

There was no immediate word on any casualties or the cause of the blast. Tolo TV cited witnesses near Kabul's airport saying that the explosion was in that area.