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Hiru TV via AP
World News

Sri Lanka blasts: 100 killed as churches and hotels targeted

by Press Association

The Reuters news agency has spoken to hospital officials and police in Colombo after hotels and churches were targeted on Easter Sunday.

The first blast ripped through St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo.

 

Alex Agileson, who was in the vicinity, said buildings in the surrounding area shook with the blast.

A second explosion was reported at St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north of Colombo.

AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

A security official said the explosions hit three churches and three hotels frequented by foreign tourists.

 

The official suspected at least two of the blasts were caused by suicide bombers.

National Hospital spokesman Dr Samindi Samarakoon says the nearly 300 wounded have been admitted to the capital Colombo's main hospital.

AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

The UK foreign office says British nationals should follow travel advice from local authorities.

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was shocked by the attacks.

AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena
Sri Lankan police officers clear the road as an ambulance drives through carrying injured of Church blasts in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

He tweeted: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka today.

"To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked.

"My prayers are with the victims and their families, and with those assisting in the response."

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