Mumbai "under siege" as deadly gunfire rages
Many killed as gunmen open fire at several locations in Mumbai, India, in 'coordinated terrorist attack'
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Wednesday, 26, Nov 2008 08:08
Up to 80 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire at several locations in Mumbai, India, in an apparently coordinated terrorist attack.
More than 250 people have been wounded, the Times of India reported quoting police, with hospital sources indicating that dozens of people have been admitted with gunshot wounds.
Further reports on Wednesday evening reported that western tourists had been taken hostage in several luxury hotels.
An eyewitness told local TV that gunmen had demanded anyone with British or American passports to come forward.
The incident is ongoing with some of the gunmen not yet in police custody.
Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh has appeared on national television to urge calm in Mumbai and for residents to remain indoors.
Local television reported that armed men opened fire at the city's main train station, a restaurant frequented by tourists and luxury hotels.
Conservative MEP Sajjad Karim said he had been caught up in the gunfire while staying in the Taj Palace hotel.
"There was a lot of commotion in the main lobby, and then another gunman came right in front of us and started shooting," Mr Karim told Sky News.
"I saw a number of people go down, but I was fortunate enough to get away."
Railway police chief AK Sharma said 'terrorists' armed with AK47s and grenades had entered the Chhatrapati Shivaji station and opened fire indiscriminately.
"It seems to be a terrorist attack, many places are under siege by gunmen," he said.
"They entered the passenger hub of a station and started firing."
Commenting on the attacks, UK foreign secretary David Miliband said: "Today's attacks in Mumbai which have claimed many innocent victims remind us, yet again, of the threat we face from violent extremists.
"I condemn these attacks unreservedly. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of those killed and injured. The UK and India will continue their joint efforts to counter the actions of terrorists."