PM's tribute to bush fire victims

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has paid tribute to more than 200 people who have died in bush fires in Australia.

Signing a condolence book at the Australia High Commission in London, he said: "When Australia suffers deaths and losses, we suffer too."

Mr Brown added that the UK would do "anything we can" to help the country to recover from the disaster.

More than 1,800 homes have been destroyed in the fires and some 7,500 people have been displaced.

Police suspect at least two of the fires - in the state of Victoria - were set deliberately, and have charged one man with arson.

Mr Brown said: "Our thoughts are with all the families and friends of those who have lost their lives and those families who have suffered grievously as a result of this.

"I know that the numbers who have died have been rising and this is a great source of concern and I know also that one firefighter has died.

"Our thoughts are with all those who tried to rescue people from the fires. When Australia suffers deaths and losses, we suffer too because we are so close to Australia."

He said he had been in contact with Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and planned to speak to him again to pledge the UK's support.