Group Claims Bombings

Updated:16:58, Friday July 22, 2005

A group linked to al Qaeda has claimed responsibility for the latest London bombings, as forensic teams examine the rucksack bombs found on a bus and in Tube trains.

The group, Abu Hafs al Masri Brigade, also claimed responsibility for the explosions on July 7.

The statement's authenticity could not be immediately verified and some doubt has been cast on the group's previous claims.

There were four explosions almost simultaneously at Oval, Warren Street and Shepherd's Bush Underground stations and on a number 26 bus in Hackney, east London.

They mirrored the attacks two weeks ago when bombs on three trains and a bus killed 56 people.

Three of the four devices are thought to be of a similar size and weight to the bombs used in the July 7 attacks. The fourth was smaller and appears to have been contained in a small plastic box.

The device on the bus was in a newish-looking black Fitness First rucksack.

Officers found it in a footwell on the top deck.

On the seat next to the rucksack they found a Duracell battery and some red wire.

Police received reports of people running away from two of the attempted blast sites.

At least two people were arrested during the afternoon, including one in Downing Street, but were released later without charge.

Reports suggest only the detonators on the four devices went off. Detectives investigating the attacks are working on the basis that the bombs were not properly primed, sources have said.

The Saudi Arabia ambassador to London, Prince Turki al-Faisal, says he believes the latest attacks are linked to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda network.

"The modus operandi, the sheer cowardice associated with them and the attacks on innocent civilians - these are all part and parcel of al Qaeda," he said.

Police are appealing for witnesses to contact them and have opened witness points at each of the locations where people can give statements.

They are also asking anyone who may have photos or mobile phone images from any of the incident scenes, to send them online to: www.police.uk

Witnesses can also call the Anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 with any information they may have.