A series of explosions in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar on Saturday has killed at least 27 people and injured another 52, the province's senior health official told AFP.

"We have now received 27 bodies, and there are at least 52 people wounded, all figures include civilians and police," said Abdul Qayoom Pukhla, Kandahar public health director.

Local television appealed for all health workers in the city to immediately report for duty.

It also called on all residents of Kandahar, Afghanistan's third biggest city, who were able to donate blood to report to health centers to do so. "We are in urgent need," said an announcement.

A police officer with the provincial police headquarters, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there had been a total of five blasts at different locations around the city.

"There were five suicide attacks using bicycles and motorbikes in Kandahar city," he said. 

-AFP/NOW Lebanon