UK leaders have condemned the shootings in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) which have killed at least 101 people.
UK leaders have condemned the shootings in the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) which have killed at least 101 people.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the attacks were outrageous and would be met with a "vigorous response". He said the UK would stand solidly with India.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the attacks were outrageous and would be met with a "vigorous response". He said the UK would stand solidly with India.
British tourist Liam Butler said "pandemonium" started when people heard the "crack-crack-crack" of gunfire.
British eyewitness Rakesh Patel said the attackers were seeking to target UK and US passport holders.
The Foreign Office has issued an emergency number for people with relatives in Mumbai: 0207 008 0000.
The Foreign Office has issued an emergency number for people with relatives in Mumbai: 0207 008 0000.
Condemned 'unreservedly'
Condemned 'unreservedly'
Police in Mumbai said the shootings, which injured about another 280 people, were co-ordinated terrorist attacks.
Police in Mumbai said the shootings, which injured about another 280 people, were co-ordinated terrorist attacks.
Police say six foreigners have died in the attack. Their nationalities are not known and the Foreign Office does not know if any British citizens are among the casualties.
Mr Brown said: "These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response.
Mr Brown said: "These outrageous attacks in Mumbai will be met with a vigorous response.
"I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region."
"I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region."
Mr Patel, a businessman who was eating in the restaurant of the Taj Mahal Palace when gunmen burst in, said: ""They wanted anyone with British or American passports. So I guess they were after foreigners."
As news of the seriousness of the attacks came in, the British Government convened an emergency meeting known as the Consular Crisis Group.
As news of the seriousness of the attacks came in, the British Government convened an emergency meeting known as the Consular Crisis Group.
A Foreign Office spokesman told the BBC it had discussed how to respond and what help it should give to back up British diplomatic staff in the Indian city. India and Britain stand together at this time in the face of terrorism Tory leader David Cameron
A Foreign Office spokesman told the BBC it had discussed how to respond and what help it should give to back up British diplomatic staff in the Indian city. India and Britain stand together at this time in the face of terrorism Tory leader David Cameron
Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he condemned the attacks "unreservedly".
"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.
"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."
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "When violent terrorism raises its ugly head, it is crucial that the international community stands together.
Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "When violent terrorism raises its ugly head, it is crucial that the international community stands together.
"India and Britain have close historical ties which should rightly prompt a signal of strong support from Britain to the Indian government."
"India and Britain have close historical ties which should rightly prompt a signal of strong support from Britain to the Indian government."
Conservative leader David Cameron said his thoughts were with all those who had been caught up in the attacks.
Conservative leader David Cameron said his thoughts were with all those who had been caught up in the attacks.
He added: "India and Britain stand together at this time in the face of terrorism."
He added: "India and Britain stand together at this time in the face of terrorism."
Indiscriminate firing
Indiscriminate firing
Gunmen opened fire at about 2300 local time at sites in southern Mumbai including a train station, two five-star hotels, a hospital and a restaurant popular with tourists.
Gunmen opened fire at about 2300 local time at sites in southern Mumbai including a train station, two five-star hotels, a hospital and a restaurant popular with tourists.
At least two blasts, suspected to be grenade attacks, were reported alongside the shootings. Police said the gunmen had fired indiscriminately.
At least two blasts, suspected to be grenade attacks, were reported alongside the shootings. Police said the gunmen had fired indiscriminately.
Mr Butler, who was close to the Taj Mahal Hotel when it was attacked, told BBC News: "We suddenly heard the crack-crack-crack and we looked up expecting fireworks but then other people said 'no you can't go back that way'. We couldn't go back to our taxis.
A number of people, including foreign nationals, are said to be trapped in the hotels - which are ringed by Indian troops .
"Obviously the panic started and we managed to get into a taxi but you'd go down one road, it would close off, you'd go down another road, it was pandemonium."
Middlesex cricket captain Shaun Udal said the team had postponed plans to fly to Mumbai on Thursday for the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League competition.
Middlesex cricket captain Shaun Udal said the team had postponed plans to fly to Mumbai on Thursday for the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League competition.
The tournament is still set to go ahead but with the Mumbai matches moved to Bangalore.
The tournament is still set to go ahead, but with the Mumbai matches moved to Bangalore.
There has been a wave of bombings in Indian cities in recent months which have left scores of people dead.
There has been a wave of bombings in Indian cities in recent months which have left scores of people dead.
Do you have friends or relatives in Mumbai? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
Do you have friends or relatives in Mumbai? You can send us your experiences using the form below:
