Scores dead following 'terrorist' attacks in India

At least 80 people have been killed in attacks apparently aimed at tourists in India's financial capital Mumbai and Western hostages are being held, according to reports. Troops have started moving into the Taj Mahal and Oberoi hotels, where explosions were heard and hostages are believed to be held. Large plumes of smoke have been seen rising from the top of the landmark Taj hotel. Police said at least 250 people were wounded in the series of attacks which also targeted hospitals and railway stations as well as the famous tourist hang-out, Cafe Leopold. Hemant Karkare, chief of the anti-terrorist squad in Mumbai, was also killed during the attacks, according to local reports. An organisation calling itself the Deccan Mujahideen claimed it was behind the attacks. The previously little known group sent an email to news organisations claiming responsibility. Rakesh Patel, a British witness who lives in Hong Kong and was staying at the Taj Mahal hotel on business, said: "I guess they were after foreigners, because they were asking for British or American passports. They had bombs." "They came from the restaurant and took us up the stairs. Young boys, maybe 20 years old, 25 years old. They had two guns," Mr Patel said. India has suffered a wave of bomb attacks in recent years. Most have been blamed on Islamist militants, although police have also arrested suspected Hindu extremists thought to be behind some of the attacks. Foreign Secretary David Miliband has condemned the attacks. "Today's attacks in Mumbai which have claimed many innocent victims, remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists," he said in a statement. "I condemn these attacks unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. "The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists." Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the attacks as "outrageous" and said they would be met with a "vigorous response".

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ITN | November 26, 2008

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