Two people have been injured after gunmen attacked a hotel used by foreigners in the Afghan capital Kabul, say reports.

Security sources told Reuters two or three gunmen entered the Serena hotel by a back door and then opened fire. One person who was taken to safety along with other guests said the shooting began in the hotel restaurant.

Another guest - hiding in his room - said he could hear sporadic gunfire, Reuters said.

The hotel is considered the safest place to stay in Kabul.

It is home to many United Nations staff and foreign delegations who have arrived to monitor the Presidential election there next month.

The Taliban have intensified attacks ahead of the April 5th election, which will choose a successor to President Hamid Karzai.

Six people were killed at the hotel by a suicide bomber in 2008.