London: UK authorities will conduct an urgent review of security arrangements for the upcoming London Marathon, following a dual bombing that killed three people and injured over a hundred others at the finishing line for the Boston Marathon.
The explosions, which happened almost simultaneously at 2.51 pm local time and some 100 yards apart, occurred at either end of the finishing line on Boylston Street in the heart of Boston.
Officials were careful not to characterize the explosions as terror related initially, but as the hours passed a sense emerged that this was a terror attack in all but name.
It has been reported in the aftermath of the explosions that many people have lost limbs and suffered ball bearing shrapnel injuries. These types of injury are indicative of improvised explosive devices having been detonated.
President Obama directed the full resources of the federal government to help state and local authorities protect people and ordered increased security around the country.
“Those responsible for the explosions will feel the full weight of justice,” he said.
Boston’s marathon is the world’s oldest and attracted 28,000 runners from every state and more than ninety other nations this year. It is the second biggest single day sporting event in the country and more than a half million spectators line its 26.2 mile route.
It latterly emerged that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the search for those responsible in consort with the Boston Joint Terrorism Center.
Other key agencies involved include the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Guard, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and both State and Metropolitan police forces.
The probable terrorist attack comes just six days ahead of London hosting its own annual marathon.
Chief Executive Nick Bitel: "Our security plan is developed jointly with the Metropolitan Police and we were in contact with them as soon as we heard the news."
Whilst Chief Superintendent Julia Pendry, the commander in charge of policing the race, added: "We will be reviewing our security arrangements in partnership with London Marathon."