The Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said:

I condemn this appalling attack and extend my condolences and sympathies to the families and friends of those killed and injured in Kabul. By rejecting the opportunity to enter peace talks and instead targeting innocent civilians, the Taliban have demonstrated their total disregard for the Afghan people.

The UK stands resolute in support of our Afghan friends, and call on the Taliban to end this senseless violence against civilians.

Further information

• Follow the Foreign Secretary on Twitter @PHammondMP

• Follow the Foreign Office on Twitter @foreignoffice