Three churches and three five star hotels in Sri Lanka have been hit by bombings on Easter Sunday, killing 207 people and injuring hundreds more.
The church blasts reportedly went off at almost the same time during Easter services in and around the island nation’s capital Colombo.
At least 35 foreigners, including Brits, are among those killed, according to the AFP news agency.
Two further explosions have since been reported in suburbs of Colombo, with two killed in one in Dehiwala.
There have been reports of gunfire being exchanged in Dematagoda and a suicide bomb there killed three police officers during a house search.
Graphic images and footage shared on social media show the scale of the devastation following this morning’s deadly blasts, which went off at around 8.45am local time.
One of the explosions was at St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade, Colombo.
“It was a river of blood,” shopkeeper N. A. Sumanapala told the New York Times. He said he had run inside to help: “The priest came out and he was covered in blood.”
(Image: Facebook)
(Image: Getty Images)
The deadliest of the explosions, which began around 8.45am, is thought to have been at St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, a city about 20 miles north of Colombo.
Three five star hotels were struck by blasts; the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand, and the Kingsbury.
Julian Emmanuel and his family, from Surrey, were staying at the Cinnamon Grand when the bomb went off.
He told the BBC: “We were in our room and heard a large explosion. It woke us up. There were ambulances, fire crews, police sirens.
“I came out of the room to see what’s happening, we were ushered downstairs.
“We were told there had been a bomb. Staff said some people were killed. One member of staff told me it was a suicide bomber.”
No one has yet claimed responsibility for what appears to be a co-ordinated terror attack.
Colombo National hospital said wounded had been brought in for treatment.
St. Sebastian’s church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
James Dauris said he was in Colombo with his family at a church service which was cut short by the attacks.
He tweeted: “Our prayers for the victims of these evil attacks, and for their families. Our thoughts are with the medical staff, police and all involved in the response.”
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe is due to take part in an emergency meeting following the explosions, according to reports.
A source in the police bomb squad said that one of the explosions was at St Anthony’s Church in Kochcikade, Colombo.
“Our people are engaged in evacuating the casualties,” the source said.
St. Sebastian’s church at Katuwapitiya in Negombo posted pictures of destruction inside the church on its Facebook page, showing blood on pews and the floor, and requested help from the public.
Have you been caught up in the blasts? If so, contact Mirror Online at webnews@trinitymirror.com
(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Colombo Telegraph /Youtube)
(Image: M A PUSHPA KUMARA/EPA-EFE/REX)
Police chief Pujuth Jayasundara sent an intelligence warning to top officers on April 11 setting out the threat.
‘A foreign intelligence agency has reported that the NTJ (National Thowheeth Jama’ath) is planning to carry out suicide attacks targeting prominent churches as well as the Indian high commission in Colombo,’ said the alert.
The NTJ is a radical Muslim group in Sri Lanka that came to notice last year when it was linked to the vandalisation of Buddhist statues.
Sources from two leading tourist hotels in Colombo also confirmed the explosions but did not give any details.
Alex Agieleson, who was near the shrine, said buildings shook with the blast, and that a number of injured people were carried away in ambulances.
Sri Lanka’s Minister of Economic Reforms Harsha de Silva tweeted: “Horrible scenes. I saw many body parts strewn all over.
“Emergency crews are at all locations in full force. We, at 1990 also have close to 20 units at the various locations. We took multiple casualties to hospital. Hopefully saved many lives.”
(Image: REUTERS)
(Image: REUTERS)
The Foreign Office said in a statement: “We are aware of reports of a number of explosions in Sri Lanka, including Colombo, and we are urgently seeking information from the local authorities.
“British nationals in Sri Lanka should follow the instructions of the local authorities and check FCO travel advice for updates.”
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: “I’m deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka today.
“To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked.
“My prayers are with the victims and their families, and with those assisting in the response.”
