Friday, July 8 2005 18:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: Police today (July 8, 2005) launched a massive hunt for those responsible for killing over 50 people and injuring 700 in the bloodiest terror attack in London since World War II saying the blasts bore "all the hallmarks" of al-Qaeda and expressed "implacable resolve" to track down the perpetrators.

Head of the Met Police, Ian Blair, said the toll in yesterday's four coordinated explosions -- three on subway trains and one on a double-decker bus -- would be at least 50.

There were a number of bodies still in a Tube train at Russell Square but the final figure was unlikely to top 100, he told a crowded press conference in London.

Stating that the bombings had "all the hallmarks" of an al-Qaeda strike, he added that there was absolutely nothing to suggest that it was a suicide attack but did not rule out any possibility.

Anti-terrorist branch head Andy Hayman, who was also present at the press conference, said each device used in triggering the blasts had less than 10 lbs of high explosive in it. Type of device used is yet to be ascertained.

Blair said of the 700 injured, 350 had minor injuries and were given the first aid while another 350 were in hospitals, including 22 in serious condition.

A previously unknown group calling itself 'Secret Organisation of al-Qaeda's Jihad in Europe' had claimed responsibility for the blasts in a website posting.