Smoke rises from the site of an attack in Pul-e-Khumri city, Baghlan province, Afghanistan. Photo: Reuters

At least 13 people died when Taliban insurgents attacked an Afghan police HQ moments after a suicide bomber blew up his car outside the building.

A Taliban militant detonated his Humvee vehicle at the entrance before a group of eight attackers armed with machine guns rushed into the building in the northern city of Pul-e-Khumri.

"The complex attack on Baghlan police headquarters has ended with the death of all nine attackers, including the suicide bomber," an Afghan spokesman said.

More than 50 people including civilians were injured.

Irish Independent