London Press conference at 17.45 21 July

Press conference at 17.45 21 July

Commissioner Sir Ian Blair speaking at a press conference at 17.45 today said it had been "another difficult day". He confirmed there had been four scenes at which attempts have been made to set off explosive devices.

Reminding the media how the investigation unfolded two weeks ago he asked them to be patient. Bringing perpetrators to justice must not be prejudiced: "We'll tell you facts when we have facts. At the end of this we want to have some trials".

He emphasised that the message now is "back to business".

The Commissioner thanked London's other emergency services, British Transport Police and London Ambulance Service in particular had done "a marvellous job".

Sir Ian said "the scenes now are very tightly controlled" and that today's incidents "may represent a significant breakthrough" because of the forensic material these sites may reveal.

Sir Ian said it is imperative that no communities should be smeared with blame, rather "these are criminal acts and we are in pursuit of criminals".

The Commissioner agreed there was a "resonance" between today's attacks and those on 7 July, given there were four incidents in each, but it was too early to establish links, if there were any. He said today, importantly, the terrorists' intention to harm people had not been fulfilled.

Sir Ian said that the police investigation was changing every few minutes, and officers needed time to carry out detailed work in their search for clues.

He appealed for the public to come forward with any information or pictures.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have photos or mobile phone images from any of the incident scenes, either at the time of the incident or shortly before, to send them online via www.police.uk .

Information about today's incidents can also be submitted to police through the same website, or alternatively through the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789321.

See also: Incidents in London

Source: Metropolitan Police Service Bulletin 0000000230, 21 July 2005

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