London terrorist attacks - update

As situation becomes clearer following the dastardly attacks in London this morning the number of actual incidents, so far confirmed by the UK's Home Secretary is four. Three in the London Underground and one on a double deck bus. The attrocity bears the hallmarks of Al-Qaida or an associated group - simultaneous attacks designed to cause significant distruption and casualties and gain maximum publicity. It is probably no coincidence that the attacks have taken place on the day the G-8 Summit is opening in Gleneagles, Scotland, whose participants have been swift to condemn the attacks. An al-Qaida website has claimed responsibility. Notwithstanding the 'hallmarks', it is often wise to treat such claims with caution, initially at least, until more facts become known. Although the website has previously carried statements purporting to come from Al-Qaeda, the group itself has not, apparently, been heard of beforehand.