A SCOTTISH security worker has been killed in a raid by the Taliban on a Nato compound in Afghanistan.

Mark Duffus, of Forres in Moray, died in the attack yesterday alongside at least six other people, the Foreign Office said.

The 41-year-old, who was employed by US company Blue Hackle, is thought to have been shot during a ferocious gun battle that erupted after gunmen and a suicide bomber stormed the compound in the capital Kabul.

Two civilian truck drivers and four Nepalese security guards are also thought to be among the dead.

Afghan officials said the attack began just before dawn and involved at least four extremists. It began when a truck packed with explosives was driven against the gates of the compound and detonated by its driver.

Smoke was seen rising above the scene of the attack in the north of the city. Reports suggested the bombers' vehicle was stopped outside the facility by guards.

The blast carved out a massive crater in the ground, damaged a guard tower and killed two drivers waiting nearby to enter the compound, which is used to supply Nato troops.

Three gunmen then stormed the gates and battled with guards for more than an hour before being killed.

Mr Duffus spent eight years with Blue Hackle in the Middle East, and is also believed to have been a former soldier who spent nine years with the British Army.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the death of a British national in Afghanistan. We are providing consular assistance to his family at this difficult time."

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. Its fighters have stepped up attacks in the capital in recent months.

The militant group opened a new political office in the Gulf nation of Qatar last month, and indicated it was prepared to enter into peace talks, but did not renounce violence.

The following week, Taliban suicide attackers opened fire on guards at a gate to the presidential palace in a bold attack at the heart of the government.