At approximately 8:50am BST this morning Thursday 7th July a series of explosions hit London, England. As the day progressed what happened became increasingly clear. Four devices were detonated in London's busy Underground tube system during the morning rush hour. A further device was detonated on a London bus, with so far unconfirmed speculation that this explosion was a suicide bomber. Current reports number thirty seven confirmed fatalities.
Pertinent link list
Visit the BBC News site for constant updates.
A Wikipedia entry has been created.
Rocketboom also covers the story.
Article comments
1 - Bryan McKay
The title of this post is inaccurate. An Al Qaeda-affiliated group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but so far this hasn't been confirmed by the authorities. I'm no apologist for terrorists, but I believe that any assignment of blame should be held until there is more official evidence. Sorry to direct this so specifically at you, as this is certainly not the only example of this I've seen around here, but it is the most blatant. I'll eat my words as soon as this is confirmed, but until then I think it would be best to hold off on such certain headlines.
2 - Greg Smyth
Quotes added to reflect alleged involvement Bryan. Fair comment. However, I think posting on an extremist website is as close to confirmation from the source as these attacks ever get. However, since Al Qaeda is more a loose grouping term for various splinter factions I think using Al Qaeda straight is acceptable.
3 - Bryan McKay
I see your point. I guess I was just looking at it from a different angle tha you. Al Qaeda is evil, no doubt about that, but as soon as their name pops up, people start hating on all Muslims, whether they're involved with terrorists or not. I guess, just as a matter of precaution, one should hold off on accusations until it's been verified and confirmed, not to protect the "innocence" of Al Qaeda, but to prevent a knee-jerk reaction against all folowers of Islam. Especially with wounds this fresh, an initial response might be particularly ugly. If it turns out to be based on unfounded data, then those who started the Al Qaeda fury are even more to blame. I didn't really necessarily mean for you to change your post, that first comment was written in haste and I didn't adequately explain myself. Thanks for being understanding though.
4 - RJ
Brief, but informative post...
5 - William
I am British, and the top of this page says that 5 bombs went off, that is completely incorrect, 3 bombs exploded on the London underground , and one expploded on a bus, all were suicide bombers.
6 - Greg Smyth
Will, this article was written on the day of the explosions when the situation was still unclear. Had you looked at the time stamp you might have appreciated that.