Anderton: World is shocked

Acting Prime Minister Jim Anderton says the Government is deeply concerned over the possible loss of life during the multiple terrorist attack in the United States early this morning.

Mr Anderton was woken by Mark Prebble, the head of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, at 2.15 this morning to be briefed on the disaster.

Mr Anderton said New Zealand was deeply concerned over the possible loss of life and the cause of the disaster, which has collapsed the two towers of the World Trade Centres in New York.

As well, a plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, setting it ablaze, and a car bomb exploded outside the State Department in Washington.

"We want to register New Zealand's deep concern over the possible loss of life and the causes behind that," Mr Anderton said.

"I've just had the information from Mark Prebble and watched it on the news, "Mr Anderton said at 2.30 am.

"There is no evidence or any suggestion that there is any threat to New Zealand.

"Our security service is on alert and we await any further information on this. We do not know who is responsible."

"It is a very serious threat to the the United States ... but it has to been seen as a significant event for the whole world which is as shocked as we are."