News & Politics - London rocked by terror attacks

silvercrystal · 07-07-2005, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Source: The BBC
London rocked by terror attacks

Two people have been killed and scores have been injured after three blasts on the Underground network and another on a double-decker bus in London.
UK Prime Minister Tony Blair said it was "reasonably clear" there had been a series of terrorist attacks.

He said it was "particularly barbaric" that it was timed to coincide with the G8 summit. He is returning to London.

An Islamist website has posted a statement - purportedly from al-Qaeda - claiming it was behind the attacks.

Home Secretary Charles Clarke said blasts occurred between Aldgate East and Liverpool Street tube stations; between Russell Square and King's Cross tube stations; at Edgware Road tube station; and on a bus at Tavistock Square.

The Queen said she was "deeply shocked" and sent her sympathy to those affected.

Paul Woodrow of the London Ambulance Service is in Russell Square near the bus which exploded.

"At King's Cross station there is a rescue operation in the tunnel down on the line," he said.

"Although we cannot confirm casualties - it is too early - we are dealing with large numbers of casualties, and we believe there are a number of casualties."

London's police chief Sir Ian Blair said there had been "many casualties" but it was too early to give a precise figure.

More than 182 casualties and one of the dead were taken to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel but it said that 123 people had since been released.

And St Mary's Hospital said it was dealing with 26 injured people, including four with critical injuries and eight in a serious condition.

Sir Ian urged people to stay where they were and not to call emergency services unless it was a life-threatening situation.

He reassured the public that an emergency plan was in place and the situation was "steadily coming under control".

London Mayor Ken Livingstone, speaking from Singapore before flying back to the UK, said Londoners would not be divided by a "cowardly attack."

He said it was an "indiscriminate" attempt at slaughter with no consideration for age or religion.

Blasts occurred:

Between Aldgate East and Liverpool Street tube stations
Between Russell Square and King's Cross tube stations
At Edgware Road tube station
On bus at Tavistock Square

All London Underground services have been suspended indefinitely and bus services in central London (Zone One) have been halted.

Early reports had suggested a power surge could be to blame for explosions on the Underground but this was later discounted.

Describing the bus blast in Tavistock Square, eyewitness Belinda Seabrook said she saw an explosion rip through the bus.

"I was on the bus in front and heard an incredible bang, I turned round and half the double-decker bus was in the air," she said.

She said the bus was travelling from Euston to Russell Square and had been "packed" with people turned away from Tube stops.

There was immediately smoke everywhere and it was hot and everybody panicked. People started screaming and crying

"It was a massive explosion and there were papers and half a bus flying through the air, I think it was the number 205," she said.

"There must be a lot of people dead as all the buses were packed, they had been turning people away from the Tube stops."

One caller to BBC Five said his friend had seen "the bus ripped open like a can of sardines and bodies everywhere".

Loyita Worley, who works for a City law firm, said she was on the underground train when an explosion took place in the next carriage, while it was in a tunnel.

The 49-year-old said: "All the lights went out and the train came to an immediate halt. There was smoke everywhere and everyone was coughing and choking, but remained calm. We couldn't open the doors."

Once the doors were opened they were taken along to Liverpool Street station.

She said the carriage where an explosion happened was "black on the inside" and she saw people who appeared to have their clothes blown off.

She saw bodies lying inside the carriage.

I'm still in shock.

smoothaise · 07-07-2005, 05:51 AM

I just woke up and turned on the news and I am in complete shock.

Lexis · 07-07-2005, 05:52 AM

ITV are putting the dead at least 12.

I just feel so shaken - I was at home but I travel on those tube lines almost every. Especially Rus. sq and Kings X.

We knew it was going to happen but when it actually does....

Star Dreamer · 07-07-2005, 05:53 AM

I am in shock at this. I cannot believe this has happened. I am appalled. I am worried about my Uncle who works in Central London and we have not been able to get in touch with him. We're just hoping he's okay

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this awful tragedy

Lexis · 07-07-2005, 05:54 AM

Try to keep calm - the mobile networks are screwed up beyond belief and everyone's having a hard time getting through. You're in my thoughts.

-Louise- · 07-07-2005, 06:06 AM

My thoughts to anyone who is involved somehow in this.

I knew this was going to happen eventually but when it does it still shocks you so much. Ive spent the last hour calling all my friends and family who live and work in London and so far just one I cant get through too... Im keeping positive.

imajica · 07-07-2005, 06:08 AM

Some of the pictures on the tv are so horrible but i can't stop watching. CNN are now also saying 12 dead but i sure there will be many more - if you see the pictures of the bus, i don't see how many on board could have survived. It's so sad, i grew up in london for many years and love it there - my thoughts are with everyone there.

spent cigarette · 07-07-2005, 06:13 AM

I do not know whether to scream or cry. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who are affected by this.

ebach86 · 07-07-2005, 06:21 AM

I'm in shock. I hate it when things like this happens. Thankfully the people I know who are in London at this moment are alright.
My prayers goes to all of those who have been hit and their families.

TokyoNiGHTS · 07-07-2005, 06:23 AM

Here's a message from the group that's claiming they did them

Quote:

"The Secret Organization Group of Al-Qa'idah of Jihad
Organization in Europe (Jama'at al-Tanzim al-Sirri, Tanzim
Qa'idat al-Jihad fi Urupa)

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate, may
peace be upon the cheerful one and the dauntless fighter,
Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him.

O nation of Islam and nation of Arabism: Rejoice for it is
time to take revenge from the British Zionist Crusader
government in retaliation for the massacres Britain is
committing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The heroic mujahidin have carried out a blessed raid in
London. Britain is now burning with fear, terror and panic
in its northern, southern, eastern and western quarters.

We have repeatedly warned the British government and people.
We have fulfilled our promise and carried out our blessed
military raid in Britain after our mujahidin exerted
strenuous efforts over a long period of time to ensure the
success of the raid.

We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and
all the Crusader governments that they will be punished in
the same way if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq
and Afghanistan. He who warns is excused.

God says: " (O ye who believe!) If ye will aid (the cause
of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly."

bluntsbitch · 07-07-2005, 06:24 AM

My dad was just in London yesterday, thank god he's home safe.

WalkingOnSunshine · 07-07-2005, 06:26 AM

This is just awful. I feel so sad for everyone involved. My thoughts & prayers are with everyone affected by these horrible events. America will be with you, London through this.

Right now, it shows that Sky News is reporting though unconfirmed that there seems to be 45 Dead, 1000 Injuries with 150 serious injuries.

StrongPlacebo · 07-07-2005, 06:31 AM

I'm in complete shock. My sister just left London yesterday, and was meant to be coming back yesterday - if they'd chosen another day, she would have been up there. I can't believe this has happened so close to my home, I've been crying and hyperventilating and I can't believe this has happened.

BBC says only 2 deaths have been confirmed so far, which I guess is something to be glad about

*Ledi* · 07-07-2005, 06:35 AM

My cell went off as soon as I woke up and my friend told me about the explosions (she lives in the UK) and of course, I thought of my relatives right away because they live in London. We couldn't get in touch with them for the longest time.. but we finally did and tey're all okay. My uncle was supposed to take a bus around the time of the attacks to go to his lawyer's office which is where the attacks happened, but his wife stopped him for some reason. That is just so scary to think about.

I hope everyone and their relatives are OK. My thoughts are with you.

And goddamn I am angry because oh wow, the "war on terrorism" is surely fixing things. Whatever. I'll leave that for another "debate". I'm too upset to post right now.

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrongPlacebo

I'm in complete shock. My sister just left London yesterday, and was meant to be coming back yesterday - if they'd chosen another day, she would have been up there. I can't believe this has happened so close to my home, I've been crying and hyperventilating and I can't believe this has happened.

BBC says only 2 deaths have been confirmed so far, which I guess is something to be glad about

from Yahoo!:

Quote:

At least 40 killed, 300 hurt in London bombings

imajica · 07-07-2005, 06:44 AM

They are now saying 45 dead, 1000 wounded and 150 of those serious.


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