Kabul: At least 40 people have been killed and 30 wounded in a suicide attack at a Shia cultural and religious centre in the western area of Afghanistan capital, Kabul today.

The interior ministry said, the suicide blast was followed by two explosions in the area. Images on social media showed a number of bodies in a courtyard following the blast.

The head of Afghan Press, the media branch of the Shia organisation, said dozens of bodies had been carried from the building and officials have reported dozens more being brought to hospitals.

A number of students were attending a discussion forum with media group members at the offices at the time.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

In recent months, Islamic State has been carrying out attacks on Shia targets across the country.