A Scots security contractor has been killed in a suicide truck bomb attack in Afghanistan.

Mark Duffus, 41, of Forres in Moray, was one of at least seven people who died in the blast at a Nato supplier's compound in Kabul.

He was one of five security guards killed in the early hours of this morning when the Taliban exploded the truck bomb at the gates of a NATO supply company's compound in Kabul.

They then shot at security personnel.

Two truck drivers waiting to enter the compound were also killed with the bomber, according to Mohammad Ayoub Salangi, the head of Kabul provincial police.

The bomber drove a small truck to the logistics centre - which is used to supply Nato troops - and detonated the explosives.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Afghanistan today.

"We are providing consular assistance to his family at this difficult time."

It was the latest in a series targeting high-profile locations in the Afghan capital.

One suicide bomber drove a small truck to the outer gate of the logistics centre used to supply Nato troops and detonated it, blowing a massive crater in the ground and damaging a guard tower.

Two truck drivers waiting nearby to enter the compound were also killed in the blast, along with the bomber.

Three gunmen then stormed in and battled with security guards for more than an hour before being killed. Four Nepalese security guards were also killed, Mr Salangi said.

The Taliban later claimed responsibility.

The militant group last month opened a new political office in the Gulf nation of Qatar, and indicated that they were prepared to enter into peace talks, but at the same time did not renounce violence.