London death toll is 52, says Australian PM
John Howard did not say where he got the information and confirmed seven Australians were injured.
Australian Prime Minister John Howard said on Friday he had information that the deadly blasts in London had killed 52 people.
"The latest information I have is the death toll currently is 52," Howard said. He did not say where he got the information. London authorities say at least 37 killed were killed in almost simultaneous blasts on Thursday in three of the city's passenger trains and a bus.
Howard said the attack but would only strengthen the resolve of nations involved in the war on terror. Australia, along with Britain, are among the staunchest supporters of Washington's military action in Afghanistan and Iraq.
In a nationally televised press conference, Howard confirmed seven Australians were injured and said one of them was in "very critical" condition.
Howard said his plan to visit Britain later this month, after a trip to Washington for talks with US President George W Bush, would not be affected by the blasts.
"It will not change in any way my plans to be in London in some two weeks time," he said.
"It is more important than ever that I go there. It was an important time before the events of the last 24 hours. It is doubly important now," he added.
The bombings, which injured hundreds, would not deter the government from sending more troops to Afghanistan, Howard said. The government has been considering bolstering its forces in the country and is expected to make a decision soon.
"We have not taken a decision, but if anybody imagines that these attacks will intimidate the Australian government in any way they would be wrong," he said.
London Underground factfile
Stations: 275
Network length: 408km (253 miles)
Opened: 1863
Staff: 12,350
Single central zone ticket: two pounds (2.90 euros, 3.50 dollars)
Total passengers carried per year: 976 million
Individual passengers carried per year: 19 million
Distance travelled per train per year: 118,300kms (73,500 miles)
Average train speed: 33kph (20.5mph)
Tunnels: 45 per cent of network
Longest continuous tunnel: 27.8kms (17.25 miles)
Escalators: 410
Lifts: 102
Carriages in fleet: 3,954
Logo: red circle crossed by a horizontal blue bar
Logo design: by Edward Johnston, appeared 1913
