Powered by Google

Mumbai gunmen 'targeted Britons'

Panic has gripped India after heavily-armed terrorists, apparently targeting British and American citizens, killed 101 people and wounded 287.

An Indian police spokesman said the death toll included six foreigners.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown described the co-ordinated attacks on different targets across Mumbai, including two luxury hotels, as "outrageous".

The Taj Mahal Palace and Oberoi Trident hotels have been surrounded by Indian troops and it was reported some westerners remained there, apparently being held hostage by the terrorists.

Hostages are also believed to be being held in an office block in the city's financial district.

It began on Wednesday evening, when gunmen stormed sites including the two hotels, a train station, a hospital and a restaurant.

Briton Alex Chamberlain, who was in the city on business, told Sky News he believed the gunmen were looking for British and American visitors.

He said: "They told everybody to stop and put their hands up and asked if there were any British or Americans. My friend said to me, 'Don't be a hero, don't say you are British'. I am sure that is what this is all about."

A group called Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Members of the England cricket team are due to meet the Board of Control for Cricket in India to discuss whether to go ahead with the team's series of one-day matches in the country.

Share