Terror attacks on New York and Washington

Thousands of people are feared dead after hijacked airliners were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon near Washington.

The attacks took place on the morning of 11 September. A fourth hijacked plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania, after passengers are believed to have fought the hijackers.

The attacks

At 8.46am local time, American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center. Seventeen minutes later, as television cameras broadcast live pictures around the world, United Airlines Flight 175 hit the south tower.

Both towers collapsed within two hours, sending huge clouds of dust and debris through lower Manhattan. Hundreds of firefighters and police officers who had rushed to the scene are among the missing.

At 9.37am, American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, the headquarters of the American military. United Airlines Flight 93 came down near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, shortly after 10am.

America under attack

All flights across the United States were grounded, and government buildings in Washington were evacuated. President George W Bush, who was visiting a school in Florida, was flown to military bases before returning to Washington.

In an address to the nation, Bush said the United States would make no distinction between the terrorists who committed the acts and those who harbour them.

Who is responsible?

No group has claimed responsibility, but American officials say suspicion has fallen on Osama bin Laden, the Saudi-born leader of the al-Qaeda network, who is believed to be living in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban.

British victims

Many British people worked in the World Trade Center, and the government has warned that the number of British victims could be the highest from any terrorist attack.

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, said Britain stood shoulder to shoulder with the United States. He described the attacks as mass terrorism and the new evil in our world.

Around the world

World leaders have condemned the attacks. Security has been increased at airports, government buildings and landmarks around the world, including in Britain, and flights over central London have been restricted.

Stock markets in New York have been closed, and markets in London and elsewhere fell sharply.

Grief

People in Birmingham and across Britain have expressed their shock and sympathy. Books of condolence are being opened, and many churches, mosques and other places of worship are holding prayers for the victims.