Dozens feared dead in London blasts
A series of explosions ripped through London today in suspected co-ordinated terrorist strikes, leaving dozens feared dead and crippling the city.
British Home Secretary Charles Clarke said that blasts happened in four locations this morning.
Hundreds of people are injured and it is feared the death toll may be in double figures.
Scotland Yard said at least three blasts occurred on the London Underground, with a further explosion tearing apart a bus packed with commuters.
A spokesman said one blast happened at around 8.49am on the Underground close to Moorgate, Aldgate, and Liverpool Street Underground stations.
Another happened in the area close to Russell Square and King’s Cross Underground stations.
A third took place at Edgware Road Underground.
A fourth explosion happened in Tavistock Square, where a double-decker bus was decimated by a suspected bomb.
Witnesses said the roof was ripped off and claimed many could be dead.
Prime Minister Tony Blair said it is “reasonably clear there have been a series of terrorist attacks”.
He said that it was clear people have died and many are injured.
In a statement delivered on behalf of the G8 leaders, Mr Blair added: “We condemn utterly these barbaric attacks.”
The Queen said: “The dreadful events in London this morning have deeply shocked us all.
“I know I speak for the whole nation in expressing my sympathy to all those affected and the relatives of the killed and injured.”
City of London police said two people were confirmed as dead, both casualties at Aldgate.
Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick said an initial estimate was of 150 people seriously injured and “many more” walking wounded.
Al-Qaida terrorists today claimed responsibility for the London blasts on an Islamic website and said that “Britain is burning with fear”.
The unverified claim was posted by a group calling themselves the Secret Organisation Group of Al-Qa’ida of Jihad Organisation in Europe.
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