LASHKAR, Afghanistan - At least eight people have been confirmed dead and 20 others injured as a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a bank here on Saturday, spokesman for the provincial government Omar Zawak said.

"A terrorist tied explosive device in his body blew himself up next to a local bank where a number of security personnel gathered to collect their salaries, killing himself and seven others on the spot and injuring 20 others," Zawak told reporters.

The victims included civilians and security personnel, the official said without giving more details.

Lashkar is a city in southern Afghanistan and the capital of Helmand province.

The poppy-growing Helmand province has been the scene of fierce fighting between government forces and Taliban militants over the past few years.