Gunmen attack government compound in Afghanistan, kill 7

Officials say gunmen have attacked a government compound in southern Afghanistan, killing three police and four civilians.

Ghulam Jilani, a medic at a local hospital, said the attack in Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand province, wounded another five police and two civilians.

Habiba Sadat, a member of parliament from Helmand, confirmed the attack and said the assailants were still clashing with security forces.

The Taliban have a strong presence in Helmand, and declared the start of their annual spring offensive last month.