‘British casualty’ in Morocco attack

British national said to be among dozens injured in Marrakech cafe blast, as William Hague condemns terrorist bombing British embassy officials are trying to establish if any UK citizens were caught up in a terrorist bombing that ripped through a cafe in a popular Moroccan tourist spot , killing at least 15 people. The foreign secretary, William Hague, sent his condolences to the families of the victims, mostly foreign visitors, of Thursday’s attack. There was no official indication from the Moroccan authorities to verify a media report that one Briton was among the dead in the worst attack there in eight years. One British national was said by the casualty unit chief at Marrakech’s main Tofail Hospital to be among dozens injured by the blast. Gas canisters were initially blamed for the massive explosion in the main Jamaa-el-Fnaa square, which is well-known for its snake-charmers, fire-breathers and story-tellers. Within a short time, however, a Moroccan government spokesman said it had been a terrorist attack but it was too soon to lay the blame on any particular group. British tourists described how the front of the cafe had been blown away during the busy lunchtime period and the first floor left in ruins. Hague said he was “shocked and saddened” at yesterday’s “deeply worrying” attack. “I offer my condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured. Initial reports that this may have been a result of terrorism are deeply worrying. All acts of terrorism are utterly reprehensible. “British officials are in contact with the Moroccan authorities to establish the facts and to provide consular support to any British nationals who may have been caught up in the blast.” Ambassador Tim Morris was travelling to Marrakech to bolster the team there, he said. Andy Birnie, of north London, who is on his honeymoon in the city, witnessed the blast in the square. He said: “There was a huge bang, and lots of smoke went up. There was debris raining down from the sky. Hundreds of people were running in panic, some towards the cafe, some away from the square. The whole front of the cafe is blown away. “It was lunchtime so the square was very busy. We had just walked into the square, but were shielded by some stalls.” Another Briton, Hugo Somersham-Jones, who lives near the square, told the BBC: “It sounded like a bomb. I went outside and saw smoke and got to the cafe and saw falling masonry. I came out to the main square and saw the first floor of the cafe in ruins. “People had fire extinguishers, trying to put out the fire, and others were pulling people out from the building. It was pretty bad.” At least two French nationals were among the casualties, although it was not clear whether they were dead or wounded, officials in Paris said. The US secretary of state, Hillary Clinton, said the US condemned the attack “in the strongest terms”. She added: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims of this cowardly attack and stand with the people of Morocco at this difficult time.” Germany, which said none of its citizens had been injured, said the attack “must not lead to the reform process that has been initiated in Morocco being undermined”. Morocco Global terrorism guardian.co.uk

Posted by on April 29, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.