Kabul attack: Several dead as five star Intercontinental Hotel stormed by gunmen 'wearing suicide vests'

Several people have been killed and at least six injured after gunmen believed to be wearing suicide vests stormed a five star hotel in Kabul.

As many as four attackers, who appeared to have a large supply of hand grenades, opened fire at the Intercontinental Hotel in the Afghan capital on Saturday.

Officials said at least two had been killed by Afghan special forces but others remained at large.

Hotel manager Ahmad Haris Nayab, who managed to escape unhurt, said the gunmen got into the main part of the hotel through a kitchen and people tried to get out amid bursts of gunfire.

According to one witness, who did not want to be named, the attackers took some hotel staff and guests hostage.

The raid came days after a US embassy warning of possible attacks on hotels in the city.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, the latest in a long series to have hit Kabul.

The hotel, located on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in Kabul, was previously attacked by Taliban fighters in 2011.

It is one of two main luxury hotels in Kabul and is used for events including conferences attended by government officials.

On Thursday, the US embassy in Kabul issued a warning to US citizens, saying "We are aware of reports that extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul".