European election candidate Del Singh among two Britons killed in Kabul restaurant attack

Two gunmen entered the restaurant and started shooting at people inside. It is believed they were eventually shot dead by security forces when they arrived at the scene.

The restaurant is in an area home to several embassies, non-governmental organisations and the homes and offices of Afghan officials, and like most places frequented by foreign diplomats, aid workers, journalists and businessmen in the war-weary country, has no signs indicating its location and is heavily secured.

It is on a small side street in the diplomatic quarter of the central Wazir Akbar Khan area, just off a bumpy semi-paved road in a house with low ceilings and an enclosed patio, but no windows.

The FCO has confirmed the name of the other Briton killed in the attack as Simon Chase.

Mr Chase, a former British soldier, was originally from Merseyside but had been living in Limavady, Co Londonderry with his fiancee Norma McDowell.

The healthcare worker from Limavady was today being comforted by family and friends. It is understood the couple lived together with two children in the Drumachose Park area of the town.

The ex-Cheshire Regiment soldier had worked as a nightclub doorman in Limavady before travelling to Kabul to work in the security industry.

Mayor of Limavady Gerry Mullan extended his condolences to Mr Chase's family.

"There is cloud that has descended upon the local community who are very shocked and saddened by his loss," said the SDLP councillor.

"He was a well-known and well-respected figure in the community."

Limavady Democratic Unionist councillor Alan Robinson said there had been an outpouring of grief for a man who was well liked and admired for the work he did.

"People greatly admired him being away from home in foreign parts doing dangerous work many of the rest of us wouldn't consider doing," he said.