Clark expresses concern at latest London bombings

Prime Minister Helen Clark has today expressed great concern after more blasts hit London's underground and bus system.

The four small blasts on Thursday saw one person injured but came exactly a fortnight after bombers killed more than 50 people in a terrorist attack blamed on al Qaeda.

Helen Clark today said through a spokeswoman that she was greatly concerned as the attacks had happened two weeks after the last ones.

"This is further evidence that terrorist groups are increasingly hard to penetrate."

She said her thoughts were with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and the people of London at what was a "very frightening and worrying time."


The Prime Minister later issued a statement saying she had great respect and admiration for the speed with which British authorities identified those who carried out the bombings two weeks ago.


"Their response to these crises has been impressive and I am sure will be on this occasion."


Officials in New Zealand had been meeting this morning and would advise her further on the bombings and steps being taken by the British authorities in response to these "awful events", she said.


- NZPA