Afghanistan blast 'kills 10' in Helmand province

Ten people have been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, officials say.

The victims were civilians, killed as a suicide bomber targeted an Afghan army convoy on a bridge, a spokesman for the provincial government said.

Seven people were also injured in the attack in Gereshk district, spokesman Daud Ahmadi told news agencies.

Helmand province is the focus of a major Nato-led offensive against Taliban insurgents.

"An explosion by a three-wheeled motorcycle targeting an Afghan army convoy killed at least 10 civilians in a crowded area of Gereshk district," AFP news agency quoted Mr Ahmadi as saying.

He said the bomb went off at a bridge after the convoy had passed.

The area was reportedly busy with roadside merchants and people celebrating the Nowruz new year festival.

In a separate attack in Khost province, in eastern Afghanistan, police said two civilians were killed and four wounded when a roadside bomb exploded.