Mumbai attacks: UK link played down
Two gunmen arrested after the Mumbai massacre were of British descent, the country's chief minister has said.
UK authorities played down reports that the terrorists included Britons as violence in the city continued for a third day.
But Indian Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh claims two British-born Pakistanis were among eight gunmen arrested by Indian authorities, according to Associated Press reports.
Indian authorities confirmed the number of foreigners known to be killed in the attacks had risen to eight. At least 143 people - including a wealthy British businessman - were left dead in the wave of terror that swept India's financial capital.
But Prime Minister Gordon Brown said it was too early to tell whether Britons were involved in carrying out the attacks.
And Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said UK authorities had "no knowledge" of any British links with the massacre.
Indian commandos ended a siege of Mumbai's luxury Oberoi Hotel while other forces descended from helicopters to storm a Jewish centre where at least 10 hostages were being held. At least 25 captives were rushed out of the Oberoi Hotel and loaded into waiting cars, buses and ambulances.
Despite the Indian authorities' assurances that the situation was under control, explosions continued to be heard in central Mumbai.
Mr Brown said as far as the Government was aware, no British hostages were still being held. And he said ministers were determined to do what they could to help the Indian authorities dealing with the attacks.
Gunmen launched co-ordinated attacks on targets in central Mumbai, including two five-star hotels and the city's packed railway station, on Wednesday. At least eight Britons are among the injured.
