According to local police officials in southern Helmand province, several Afghan police officers were poisoned in this province.

The officials further added the incident took place at a police academy in Lashkargah city on Monday.

Provincial governor spokesman Dawood Ahmadi confirming the report said around 40 Afghan police officers were poisoned before lunch time on Monday and were taken to hospital for treatment purposes.

Mr. Ahmadi further added the health condition of the police officers were better and all of them have been discharged from the hospital except one police officer.

He also said Afghan security forces have launched an investigation in this regard and the main reason behind the poisoning is still unclear.

No group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident. In a similar incident a number of local police forces were killed by Taliban militants after they poisoned a few months back. (AOP)