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16 Apr 2013

Three killed in Boston Marathon explosions

Two large explosions near the finish line of the Boston marathon kill three people and injure dozens more, police confirm, as President Obama vows “we will find out who did this”.

Boston marathon explosion - via Boston_to_a_T on Twitter.

Above: Boston marathon explosion – picture from @Boston_to_a_T on Twitter

  • Three killed and dozens hurt in Boston marathon blasts
  • Two more explosive devices found and dismantled
  • Those responsible ‘will feel full weight of justice’ – Obama

Witnesses along the marathon route described two loud explosions near the finish line of the race – in Boylston Street in the heart of Boston city centre. Video images from the scene show the chaos and many injured people.

Boston police have confirmed three deaths and dozens of injuries. Police say a fire at John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is not thought to be linked to the explosions along the course.

We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable. President Obama

There were no British elite athletes competing in the race, UK Athletics confirmed to Channel 4 News, but 347 British people were registered to take part.

In a statement, President Obama said the government does not yet have “all the answers” on the explosions but those responsible would “will feel the full weight of justice”.

He said: “We will find out who did this and we will hold them accountable.”

Above: Mobile phone footage uploaded to YouTube shows the second blast

London Marathon

The blast comes just six days before the London Marathon on Sunday, prompting a “review” of security ahead of the event.

Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, the event commander for the event, said: “A security plan is in place for the London Marathon. We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon.”

In Boston, the whole area has been placed in lockdown with journalists being kept inside the press centre at Copley Square.

The area is home to a large shopping centre, major offices and hotels and close to Boston Common, one of the busiest parts of the city. Local train services through the area have been suspended, and any runners have been rerouted well away from the finish line.

The New York police department stepped up security around landmarks in Manhattan, including near prominent hotels, in response to events in Boston, said Paul Browne, deputy commissioner of the NYPD.

New York police are deploying counterterrorism vehicles around the city, Mr Browne said.

The Boston Globe is reporting very serious injuries, including the loss of limbs.

A White House aide says President Obama has been notified and is in touch with state and local authorities. Vice President Biden, on a conference call with reporters, says “Our prayers are with those in Boston”.

According to Lori Riley, a sports reporter from the Hartford Courant at the scene, the blasts went off near the viewing stand on Boylston Street. One near the flags of all the countries involved, another further down the street.

‘Unspeakable horror’

Another eyewitness talks of seeing people’s legs blown off and runners coming into her building who had seen “unspeakable horror”.

The Associated Press reports that spectators, some covered in blood, were being carried to a medical tent originally set up to assist runners. One police officer was seen being wheeled away from the course with a leg injury.

Competitors and organisers, reports AP, were crying as they tried to flee the chaos. Cherie Falgoust, who was waiting for her husband to finish the race, told the agency: “I was expecting my husband any minute… it just blew. Just a big bomb, a loud boom, and then glass everywhere.”

“Something hit my head. I don’t know what it was. I just ducked.”

Another witness, Mike Mitchell from Vancouver, told Reuters he saw smoke rising fifty feet into the air, before people started running and screaming.

Boston Police say there were no specific threats known before Monday’s marathon.

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