LONDON BOMB BLASTS – FRIDAY UPDATE

More than 50 people were killed in multiple terrorist bomb blasts on the London Underground and a bus.

Police confirmed the death toll in three attacks on the Tube. These incuded seven people on a train between Moorgate and Liverpool Street, 21 between Kings Cross and Russell Square and five at Edgware Road.

The top of a double decker bus was ripped off as the four bombs exploded. At least 13 people died when the double decker bus in Bloomsbury was hit by a suicide bomber as part of a co-ordinated attack.

At least 700 seriously injured casualties have been reported as a result of the atrocities. There was no warning of the attacks, police said.

Home secretary Jack Straw was reported as saying Thursday’s attacks bore all the hallmarks of the al-Qaeda terrorist network. 

A casualty hotline is available for concerned friends and relatives at: 0870-1566344.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was reasonably clear a series of terrorist attacks had occured to coincide with the opening of the G8 Summit in Scotland. He described the attacks as “particularly barbaric”. 

Home secretary Charles Clarke told the Commons that four explosions were confirmed on Underground trains – between Aldgate East and Liverpool Street, Kings Cross and Russell Square and at Edgware Road – and the bus.

An eyewitness on an Underground train was quoted as saying he heard a loud bang while on a train between Kings Cross and Russell Square.  

The capital was thrown into chaos in the wake of explosions at the peak of the rush hour at around 08.50 on Thursday.

The whole of the Underground network was shut and people evacuated. All bus services in the centre of the capital were suspended and people were advised not to travel to London. 

Most Underground lies resumed services this morning together with bus services in all parts except the Russell Square area. But a security alert this morning led to the evacuation and closure of Liverpool Street station.  

Hotels were criticised by trading standards officials for profiteering by hiking prices to accommodate workers who were unable to get home last night due to the disruption to the public transport network.

Meanwhile, a heightened security alert was in operation at all ports around the UK. 

Stena Line advised passengers to allow additional time for check-in procedures asked all passengers to be as patient and as co-operative as possible.

Report by Phil Davies