At least 7 bombs exploded in Central London this morning in a co-ordinated terrorist attack, launched on the day the G8 summit started in the UK, and just a day after London celebrated winning the bid for the 2012 Olympics. The whole of London's underground system, plus buses and even the Gatwick Express, was shut down shortly after the bombs went off, and is still closed now (12:30).
Six bombs went off at underground stations or on underground trains, with another ripping the top off a double decker bus. At this early stage two people are confirmed dead, with more then twenty seriously ill and hundreds injured. Casualties are still being recovered from the underground stations as it would appear that some of the bombs were on trains.
At around 08:50 7 clearly co-ordinated bombs went off at Edgware Road, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, Russell Square, Aldgate East and Moorgate underground stations and on a double decker bus at Tavistock Square. There may have been warnings of the attack, as a number of train lines and underground stations were closed this morning, with no explanation given.
All bus, underground and train services in the centre of the capital are currently suspended, with knock on effects closing much of the network for the whole of London, including the Gatwick Express service.
A European website representing Al-Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the bombs, but it is not known how credible this claim is at the moment. We will add more later as we find out more information.
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