7 July 2005 London bombings: Difference between revisions

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HOTLINE NUMBERS:

Central emergency number: 0870 156 6344 (Metropolitan Police)
Metropolitan Police: 020 7766 6020 (UK) +44 20 7766 6020 (International)
British Transport Police: 020 8358 0101 (UK) +44 20 8358 0101 (International)
Those outside the UK should see the list of Foreign Ministry contact details.

Do not call the London emergency services line unless you are reporting "life-threatening" circumstances.
The Metropolitan Police Service advises against all unnecessary travel within the Capital.
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On 7 July 2005 at 08:50 BST (07:50 UTC), during the height of morning rush hour, a series of four explosions struck London's transport system. Three Underground trains were hit in the first wave and a bus an hour later. At least 33 people are confirmed dead.

Metropolitan Police Service Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has said that explosions were probably the result of a "major terrorist attack" but did not wish to speculate on the organisation involved. The bombings came while the United Kingdom hosted the first full day of the 31st G8 summit summit at Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland, and a day after London won the bid to host the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The Formula 1 British Grand Prix is also scheduled for this weekend, but will still go ahead.

The incidents led to the immediate evacuation of many tube stations, as well as the complete shut-down of the London Underground network. Roads near the affected stations were closed, severely affecting road traffic. Mainline services into London stations Euston, Paddington, Liverpool Street and King's Cross are terminating outside the city. The city's bus network was shut down in the central zone (Zone 1) until approximately 16:00 BST.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has described the attacks as "barbaric". "Our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism upon the world," he said. The Prime Minister left the G8 summit in Gleneagles despite Downing Street initially suggesting that reports he would return to London were false [1]. He has arrived back in London to consult with emergency services. The summit will continue in his absence and he intends to return in the evening during that time. [2]

Incidents

Home Secretary Charles Clarke told the British House of Commons that four blasts had been confirmed: three explosions took place on the London Underground in central London and one on a bus, in London's rush hour.

The three on Tube trains were between Liverpool Street and Aldgate East (at 08:51 British Summer Time (07:51 UTC), at Edgware Road at 08:56 BST, between King's Cross and Russell Square at 09:17 BST. An explosion occurred on a double-decker bus at 09:47 BST (the No. 30, Hackney to Marble Arch) in Tavistock Square outside the BMA building, ripping the roof off the top deck and destroying the back of the bus. The number of explosions is smaller than first thought, since some blasts occurred on trains that were between stations. The wounded emerged from both stations, giving the impression that there were incidents at each station.

Timeline

All times are in British Summer Time (BST) which is 1 hour ahead of UTC.

08:51: Initial reports of an incident between Liverpool Street and Aldgate East tube stations, either an explosion or a collision between trains. The reports from the two stations were initially thought to relate to two separate incidents.
08:56: Explosion on train between Kings' Cross and Russell Square. Eyewitnesses report explosion appeared to come from outside the train.
09:17: Explosion on train at Edgware Road station.
09:28: Tube operator Metronet says the incident was caused by some sort of power surge.
09:33: Reports of an incident at Edgware Road tube station. Reports that passengers on a train hit by an explosion attempted to break windows with umbrellas in order to escape.
09:46: British Transport Police announce there had been more explosions at Kings' Cross, Old Street, Moorgate, and Russell Square.
09:47: Explosion on bus at Upper Woburn Place/Tavistock Square. Fatalities, but number not yet known.
09:49: Whole London Underground system shut down.
10:00: National Grid announce there had been no problem with power surges.
10:40: First report of fatalities, government source speaks of 20 dead.
11:08: Bus services suspended across central London.
11:10: Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair confirms fears that it is a co-ordinated terror attack, but appeals for calm, asking people not to travel to London or make unnecessary calls to the emergency services.
12:00: Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks out on the incident, calling the attacks a coordinated series of "barbaric" terrorist attacks.

(From ITV News and Metropolitan Police press conference)

Casualties

Senior official sources have confirmed that at least 33 people have been killed, the number from the Tavistock Squre bombing could not yet be calculated. [3]

At least 90 injuries have been reported from Aldgate Station alone. All major London hospitals have been placed on alert, and are currently not accepting non-emergency cases. 95 of those were taken by bus to the Royal London Hospital where they are being treated; 10 are in critical condition. Many others are being treated at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington. Individuals who are wounded and walking are being treated at the scene; an eyewitness reported that they were "operating on injured people on the concourse at Liverpool Street station." [4]. Paramedics were sent down into the tube system to search for more casualties. St. John Ambulance was called out to assist the London Ambulance Service [5], and hospitals had to call in off-duty staff, plus doctors from as far afield as Hampshire and Oxfordshire.

Recent reports state that 300 people (208 at Royal London Hospital alone [6]) are being treated in hospital and 150 of those are in a serious condition. Many are foreign nationals.

Confirmed current casualties (Police press conference):

Aldgate East Station
- at least 7 killed
King's Cross Station
- at least 21 killed
Edgware Road Station
- at least 5 killed
Bus in Tavistock Square
- unknown number killed

Other events

There have also been reports of an explosion on Houndsditch in the City of London, near Liverpool Street station, with a police officer reporting pulling people out of a bus there.[7] Additional reports indicate that there have been unspecified incidents at Brighton, Luton, and Swindon. These stations have been closed and there has been no official confirmation of the nature of the incidents, if any actually occurred. BBC World reported that the stations had been evacuated due to "security incidents". East Croydon station is also closed.

In Brighton there was a controlled explosion of a suspicious briefcase at approximately 12:55 PM local time in a telephone box outside of Brighton station. The brief case was later found to be harmless, and the station was re-opened.

There have been reports of a controlled explosion at Coventry bus station.

Vodafone have reported that their mobile phone network reached capacity at about 10 AM on the day of the incident, and they were forced to initiate emergency procedures to prioritise emergency calls. Other mobile phone networks have also reported failures. London's Transport system is currently paralysed, significantly because of the complete closure of the underground system and the Zone 1 closure of the bus networks, as well as evacuation of Russell Square. The BBC has speculated that the phone system has been closed by the security services to prevent the possibility of mobile phones being used to trigger bombs. BBC reports mobile networks are running again.

It was reported on CBS News that a senior Israeli official said that British police told the Israeli Embassy in London minutes before the explosions that they had received warnings of possible terror attacks in the city. [8] The Guardian attributes the initial report of a warning to an Israeli "Foreign Ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity," but adds Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom's later denial on Israel Army Radio: "There was no early information about terrorist attacks."[9]

Prime Minister of France Dominique de Villepin announced that France had increased its level of terror alert to red, the second-highest level, in response to the events in London [10]. Meanwhile, German rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG indicated that security alert levels in Berlin had been raised to yellow, the second of three levels. [11]

News reports from the United States say that subway systems in New York City and Washington DC are at a heightened state of alert and have brought in police sniffer dogs units trained in bomb detection.

Cause

The certain cause is unknown at the moment, but a terrorist attack appears extremely likely. While early reports gave the possibility of a power surge in the Underground power grid (which was later found to be functioning normally) the first bus explosion effectively ruled it out.

At approximately 11:10 UTC July 7 2005, BBC News reported that a website known to be operated by associates of Al Qaeda had been located with a 200 word statement claiming responsibility for the attacks. German Magazine Der Spiegel [12] reported that a group named 'Secret Organisation - al-Qaeda in Europe' had posted a claim of responsibility on the "al-Qala'a" internet forum, which has been a source for genuine claims in the past. The letter also warned other governments involved in Iraq (mentioning specifically Denmark and Italy) to leave Iraq and Afghanistan.

Arab sources monitoring terrorist networks have told BBC News that it is highly likely to be an Al Qaeda attack. Unconfirmed reports indicate that an islamist website has carried a statement by a European group linked to Al-Qaida which claims responsibility for the attacks.

The attacks bear similarities to 11 March 2004 Madrid attacks and suggest an attack in the style of al-Qaeda, security analysts said. "The first thing that's very obvious is the synchronized nature of the attacks, and that's pretty classic for al Qaeda or al Qaeda-related organizations," Budapest-based security analyst Sebestyen Gorka told Reuters.

The London Metropolitan Police Chief, Sir Ian Blair, stated that he believed that the explosions were "probably a major terrorist attack". He also indicated that police had found indications of explosives at one of the blast sites [13].

Responsibility

German Magazine Der Spiegel [14] and BBC Monitoring have both reported that a group named 'Secret Organisation - al-Qaeda in Europe' has posted a claim of responsibility on their website. This is a response due to the British involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Translated statement

On 7 July, "Nur al-Iman" participant, identified as a "new guest", posts to the jihadist website Al-Qal'ah (Fortress), available at qal3ah.net/vb, a statement issued by "The Secret Organization Group of Al-Qa'ida of Jihad Organization in Europe". In the statement, the group claims responsibility for the London "raid". The following is a translated text of the statement:

In the name of God, the merciful, the compassionate, may peace be upon the cheerful one and undaunted fighter, Prophet Muhammad, God's peace be upon him.

Nation of Islam and Arab nation: Rejoice for it is time to take revenge against the British Zionist crusader government in retaliation for the massacres Britain is committing in Iraq and Afghanistan. The heroic mujahideen have carried out a blessed raid in London. Britain is now burning with fear, terror and panic in its northern, southern, eastern, and western quarters.

We have repeatedly warned the British government and people. We have fulfilled our promise and carried out our blessed military raid in Britain after our mujahideen exerted strenuous efforts over a long period of time to ensure the success of the raid.

We continue to warn the governments of Denmark and Italy and all the crusader governments that they will be punished in the same way if they do not withdraw their troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. He who warns is excused.

God says: "You who believe: If ye will aid (the cause of) Allah, He will aid you, and plant your feet firmly."

Official statements

Queen Elizabeth

The Queen offered this offical statement following the attacks:

The dreadful events in London this morning have deeply shocked us all. I know I speak for the whole nation in expressing my sympathy to all those affected and the relatives of the killed and injured. I have nothing but admiration for the emergency services as they go about their work. [15]

British Prime Minister Tony Blair

A visibly shaken Tony Blair spoke live from Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland where the G8 summit is being held:

I am just going to make a short statement to you on the terrible events that have happened in London earlier today, and I hope you understand that at the present time we are still trying to establish exactly what has happened, and there is a limit to what information I can give you, and I will simply try and tell you the information as best I can at the moment.

It is reasonably clear that there have been a series of terrorist attacks in London. There are obviously casualties, both people that have died and people seriously injured, and our thoughts and prayers of course are with the victims and their families.

It is my intention to leave the G8 within the next couple of hours and go down to London and get a report, face-to-face, with the police, and the emergency services and the Ministers that have been dealing with this, and then to return later this evening. It is the will of all the leaders at the G8 however that the meeting should continue in my absence, that we should continue to discuss the issues that we were going to discuss, and reach the conclusions which we were going to reach. Each of the countries round that table have some experience of the effects of terrorism and all the leaders, as they will indicate a little bit later, share our complete resolution to defeat this terrorism.

It is particularly barbaric that this has happened on a day when people are meeting to try to help the problems of poverty in Africa, and the long term problems of climate change and the environment. Just as it is reasonably clear that this is a terrorist attack, or a series of terrorist attacks, it is also reasonably clear that it is designed and aimed to coincide with the opening of the G8. There will be time to talk later about this.

It is important however that those engaged in terrorism realise that our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than their determination to cause death and destruction to innocent people in a desire to impose extremism on the world. Whatever they do, it is our determination that they will never succeed in destroying what we hold dear in this country and in other civilised nations throughout the world.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone

This was not a terrorist attack against the mighty or the powerful ... it was aimed at ordinary working-class Londoners [16]

World leaders

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the bombings. Martin has also requested Canadian flags on all federal buildings be lowered to half-staff.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has conveyed to the British government the "deep shock and sympathy and concern of the government and people of New Zealand".
Pope Benedict XVI has called the attacks "inhuman". Speaking from the Vatican after his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI today the Taoiseach of Ireland, Bertie Ahern said that "after yesterday's outpouring of great joy, today is a tragic and difficult day for London. This is an appalling outrage which I condemn in the strongest possible terms. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of London and all those affected by these terrible deeds. I have sent a message of sympathy and support to Prime Minister Blair. Whoever is responsible for these attacks stands condemned in the eyes of the international community.". He also condemned the attacks in London today as "a black mark on society" and "wanton violence".
Australian Prime Minister John Howard has stated, "It's important that we stand shoulder to shoulder with our British allies at a time such as this."
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has said, "The terror is no longer only in Israel; it is worldwide and the free world should punish the attackers."
United States President George W. Bush has said, "We will not yield to the terrorists, and will find them and bring them to justice."
Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has stated "I want to express the condolences of the Government and the Spanish people to relatives of the victims of this horrible attacks. I absolutely share the stated by my colleague Tony Blair. Moral strength of democracy is far superior than such vile and coward methods of terrorism."
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences over the attacks and has called on all countries to unite in the fight against international terrorism.
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende stated: "Continuous intensive attention is required in the war against terrorism. Terrorism is an evil that can hit each European country. Cooperation in the EU and worldwide is crucial to counter this evil."
Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson stated: "This is an attack on our open society."
Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has stated: "Again we're witnessing scruples' and barbaric attacks against completely innocent people - civilians, women and children", said Anders Fogh Rasmussen. "Terrorists use fear and terror as political pressure. We can't - and will not allow that. We shall never give in to terrorists", the Danish Prime Minister continued.
French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin called the attack "a tragedy for Great Britain" and "a tragedy for Europe as a whole which had already been hit in Madrid in March 2004." In a letter to Prime Minister Tony Blair, De Villepin also offered "immediate, full and total collaboration of French services in helping you identify the authors of these crimes."
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder called the attacks "cowardly and perfidious", while Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer declared his "unswerving solidarity" with London.
The European Parliament held a minute of silence to send their condolences to any victims of the explosions [17].
G8 leaders prepared a statement, read on behalf of them all by Tony Blair, condemning the attacks as "an attack on civilised peoples everywhere", and saying that the G8 summit would proceed. [18]
The Polish Sejm lower house observes a moment of silence.
South African President Thabo Mbeki has condemned the series of explosions on London's transport system. "As South Africa, we join the rest of the international community in condemning any acts of terrorism"
Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik has stated "On behalf of the Norwegian Government, I wish to express my deepest condolences and sympathy. My thoughts are with all those who were injured and the bereaved families, and with the people of the United Kingdom. We are mourning with you in this time of grief." [19]

Religious leaders

The Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network have issued a public statement condemning the attacks, offering their condolences to the British people, and pledging their support in bringing the terrorists to justice. [20]
The Muslim Council of Britain utterly condemns today's indiscriminate acts of terror in London. [21]
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has spoken of his horror and grief following the explosions in London this morning. [22]

Other response

The Metropolitan Police Service urges people not to enter London, and to limit their usage of public transport. [23]

The London Underground system has been suspended however the Network Rail system is still in operation. We would urge anyone who doesn’t need to come into London today not to do so. If you are already in London wherever possible please limit travelling around the capital.

The London Ambulance Service reports that they will "only be sending ambulances to patients across the capital with life-threatening illnesses or injuries".[24]

Chief executive of London's successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, Keith Mills, announced from Singapore that further celebrations of the city's success would be postponed. Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee said that they were still confident that the Olympics would be safe. [25]

Economic impact

Economic effects were felt. The British currency fell to a 19-month low. Many stock markets are expected to drop in value.

The FTSE 100 Index fell by 150 points, 2.8 percent, by 9:30 AM UTC to 5,078.9. [26] This is its biggest fall since the start of the Iraqi war. However, by 1:55 PM, the market had recovered to be 1.93 per cent down. [27]

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was off more than 35 points at 10076.80 within 15 minutes of the opening of trading. Markets in Germany and France fell by more than two percent [28] by 12:09 GMT. The British pound is, as of 12:43 PM, worth USD 1.74416, EUR 1.45636, JPY 194.963.

The price of oil fell $2 on news of the attacks [29] and has since fallen by as much as $4.08. [30]

By the time the United States markets opened on the morning of July 7, the New York Stock Exchange opened down just 0.17 per cent, and the NASDAQ opened down 0.89 per cent, less than the European markets which were already open at the time of the bombings. [31]

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