Officials confirmed on Tuesday night the death toll following the suicide bombing outside the Supreme Court in Kabul had risen to 21.

Public Health Ministry officials said among the dead were nine women.

In addition, 41 people were wounded. Officials said a number of wounded were in critical condition in the Kabul Emergency Hospital.

The incident took place at about 15:45 when court staff were leaving for home.

Eyewitnesses said the powerful explosion shook nearby buildings and caused substantial damage in the immediate area.

Reports indicated that most of the casualties had been civilians. 

No group has claimed responsibility as yet for the incident.

In June 2013 an explosion occurred in the same place - killing 17 people and injuring 39 others.