Deadly attacks hit Afghan capital

Two suicide attacks in the north of the Afghan capital, Kabul, have killed 10 people and wounded 30, a senior official has told the BBC.

Gunmen have also attacked the justice ministry in the city centre.

Two were shot dead by security forces and one attacker is still inside the building. Military reinforcements are on their way.

The Taleban have claimed responsibility for the attacks and say they are in response to conditions in Afghan jails

The incidents come at a time of worsening security in the country and a day before Richard Holbrooke, the new U.S. special envoy, was expected to visit Kabul.

The interior ministry said it was checking to see if the attacks were coordinated, but had no immediate details about any of the incidents.

A private television station quoted a Taliban spokesman as saying seven of its fighters were trying to attack the justice ministry and a prison department office building in revenge for the treatment of jailed insurgents.

Armed men also attacked the headquarters of the jails department and the finance ministry.

Another suicide bomber blew himself up near an Afghan police convoy, northern Kabul.

There were reportedly casualties in these three additional attacks on Wednesday.