We'll defeat terrorism - Cameron

British High Commissioner: 'We are advising not to come to Mumbai'

David Cameron has said all nations must "stand together" to defeat the threat of terrorism, describing the attacks in Mumbai as "absolutely horrific".

The Conservative leader said he had spoken to two Tory MEPs who were caught up in the incidents in the Indian city.

Seven British citizens have been injured in the incidents, the British High Commissioner in India has said.

Gordon Brown has called the attacks "outrageous" and says the UK will give all necessary help to Britons affected.

'Not cowed'

Mr Cameron said there was no such thing as an "isolated terrorist attack" and that the attack on India was an attack on the UK too.

"They want to stop us travelling, trading and co-operating," Mr Cameron said of those responsible. "We should say no."

"We will stand together. We will defeat extremist terrorism wherever it comes from We will not be cowed or bullied by these people."

At least 101 people have been killed, and more than 300 injured, in the co-ordinated shootings in southern Mumbai (Bombay).

Scores of people, said to include foreign nationals, have been held hostage in two luxury hotels - the Taj Mahal Palace and the Oberoi Trident - and an office block.

Sir Richard Stagg, the British High Commissioner, said there were likely to be more UK injured and the identities of the hostages being held across Mumbai were unknown.

The Foreign Office has issued an emergency number for people with relatives in Mumbai: 0207 008 0000. It has advised against all non-essential travel to Mumbai until further notice.

Eyewitnesses have said the attackers had been seeking out UK and US passport holders.

The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists Foreign Secretary David Miliband Indian PM vows action on attacks Witnesses tell of Mumbai violence

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the attacks were outrageous and would be met with a "vigorous response".

"I have sent a message to Prime Minister Singh that the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help. Urgent action is under way to offer every possible protection to British citizens in the region."

Foreign Secretary David Miliband said the attacks were a terrible reminder of the threat from violent extremists.

"Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured," he said.

"The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists."

Mike Gapes, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Commitee, said he believed the improvement in relations between India and Pakistan in recent months may have been one factor behind the attacks.

The attacks could not be allowed to damage Britain's strong trading relationship with India, he added.

"It is very important that we recognise that a small number of fanatical extremists cannot stop the economic links we have between Britain and India," he said.

'Started firing'

Police in Mumbai said the shootings were co-ordinated terrorist attacks.

Conservative MEP Sajjad Karim, who was in India's financial capital as part of a trade delegation with fellow British MEP Syed Kamall, was in the Taj Mahal hotel when it came under attack.

He told the BBC how he ran through the lobby to escape a gunman.

"There was a group of about 17 or 18 of us and another gunman appeared, he had an automatic machine gun type of weapon in his hands and he just pointed it straight at us and started firing," he said.

"People immediately in front of me and to the side of me started to fall and about three or four of us managed to somehow get away. It was all quite quick really."

India and Britain stand together at this time in the face of terrorism Tory leader David Cameron

Sir Richard Stagg told the BBC: "We have visited most of the central hospitals where those injured have been taken and have met seven British victims who are in hospital at the moment and we understand there is likely to be some other injured of British nationality."

He refused to discuss the nature of their injuries and added that the nationality of the hostages being held in the city was unknown though some were "foreign".

As news of the seriousness of the attacks came in, the British government convened an emergency meeting known as the Consular Crisis Group.

A Foreign Office spokesman told the BBC it had discussed how to respond and what help it should give to back up British diplomatic staff in the Indian city.

'Standing together'

Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg said: "When violent terrorism raises its ugly head, it is crucial that the international community stands together.

"India and Britain have close historical ties which should rightly prompt a signal of strong support from Britain to the Indian government."

The two five-star hotels were among numerous locations in the main tourist and business district targeted late on Wednesday.

Gunmen, using grenades and automatic weapons, also opened fire at a train station and a hospital.

At least two blasts, suspected to be grenade attacks, were reported alongside the shootings. Police said the gunmen had fired indiscriminately.

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