Death toll in Christmas Eve attack in Afghanistan rises to 43

The death toll from a Christmas Eve attack in Afghanistan has climbed to 43, an official said.

Health Ministry spokesman Wahid Majro said police and emergency workers were still searching for bodies in the smouldering public welfare building early on Tuesday.

A suicide bomber and gunmen armed with assault rifles and explosives attacked the building in Kabul on Monday, setting off an eight-hour-long siege.

No-one has claimed the attack, but both the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate frequently target government officials and security forces.

One of the attackers died when he detonated his explosives-laden vehicle outside the building.

Another three gunmen were killed in the shootout.

It was unclear whether the three were included in the death toll provided by the Health Ministry.