UK’s foreign office minister 'appalled' by Hyderabad bomb blasts

Swire had just spent three days in the country with Prime Minister David Cameron as part of the trade delegation.

“Having just spent three days with the Prime Minister seeing the optimism and opportunities across India, these attacks are a shocking reminder of the terrorist threat this country faces. I condemn this cowardly act of terror,” Swire said.

He added that as agreed between Cameron and India’s Prime Minister Singh, the UK will continue to work closely with India to tackle the threat of terrorism wherever it occurs.

“I was appalled to hear of the bomb attacks in India today and my condolences go to those injured in Hyderabad and the families of those who lost their lives,” Swire said.

On Thursday, at 7pm local time, two bombs in Hyderabad’s busy neighbourhood Dilsukhnagar led to the death of 16 people and left 117 people injured.

The two blasts were planted on two bicycles 10 minutes away from each other in the largest fruit and vegetable market in the area.

Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde has visited the blast sites today and said that the government had intelligence about bomb attacks but did not have specifics as to when and where they might occur.

 Indian PM Singh has appealed for peace and calm after the dismal attacks. While the Indian authorities are investigating who is behind the attacks, no groups have yet taken responsibility.