Spokesmen from the Metropolitan Police, London Underground, ambulance and other emergency services are currently answering questions after giving a half-hour conference.

33 people have been confirmed dead. 21 people were killed in the Kings Cross station. Seven died in the blast near Liverpool St station. Five died in the Edgeware Rd Circle line blast. No numbers are available from the bus blast.

It is also unknown whether suicide bombers were used.

A hospital spokesperson has said that injuries have included amputations, fractures, burns and smoke inhalation.

AP reports that Israeli representatives were warned minutes before the blasts, and Finance Minister Benyamin Netenyahu remained in his hotel room near Liverpool St station because of the warning. Police chiefs have said they did not receive any warning, and nor have they received any messages taking responsibility for the blasts. A number of groups have put their hands up.

Terminal 3 of Heathrow has been evacuated.

It is expected that Prime Minister Tony Blair will be arriving in London shortly and will make a statement.

A group called the 'Secret Organisation Group of al-Qaeda of Jihad Organisation in Europe' has claimed responsibility for the blasts in a 200 word speech posted on a website known to host al-Qaeda pronouncements.

A part of the message asked for the 'Nation of Islam and Arab nation' to "Rejoice for it is time to take revenge against the British Zionist Crusader government in retaliation for the massacres Britain is committing in Iraq and Afghanistan." [source]

It further warns other countries involved in the occupation of Iraq to withdraw their troops or face similar attacks.