Huge numbers of Afghans desperately seeking asylum

One of the largest groups of refugees trying to get to Europe in recent months is from Afghanistan, which remains in the grip of a conflict that has driven people to flee for many years.

Foreign combat troops pulled out at the end of last year, leaving Afghan security forces to tackle an ongoing offensive by the Taliban.

The Taliban itself has stepped up its attacks in recent weeks, as rival factions seek to establish control of the movement.

The BBC's John Simpson reports from Kabul.