At least 17 people have been killed after several blasts rocked Algeria's capital - one exploding near the prime minister's office, BBC reported.

Nine died after a car bomb targeting the government buildings in the centre of the capital, Algiers. The building also houses the offices of the interior minister.

Another explosion hit a police station in the east of Algiers, near the city's international airport, killing eight.

"This is a crime, a cowardly act. It can only be described as cowardice and betrayal," Algerian Prime Minister Abdelaziz Belkhadem said.

"At a time when the Algerian people are asking for national reconciliation and extend their hands, these criminal acts are taking place."

Ambulances rushed to the city centre and police blocked entry to the prime minister's office, witnesses said.

Reports talked of thousands of people rushing to the streets in panic after the blast echoed throughout the capital.

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