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At least 20 people are believed to have been killed in yesterday’s bomb attack in the Thai capital Bangkok, none of them British or Irish nationals.
The Thai government has said a suspect has been identified on CCTV footage close to the Hindu Erawan shrine with a black backpack and later emerging without it.
However, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack which Thai officials believe was a deliberate attempt to target tourists. Seven foreigners have died so far.
Reports have linked the attack to an anti-government group, although Thailand is currently run by a military junta and opponents say this claim is politically motivated.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said: “This is the worst incident that has ever happened in Thailand.
“There have been minor bombs or just noise, but this time they aim for innocent lives. They want to destroy our economy, our tourism.”
The BBC reported that the device that caused the explosion was a pipe bomb with 3kg of high explosive placed inside the shrine.
Around 120 people were injured in the attack which officials say was intended to cause maximum loss of life.
Unconfirmed reports immediately after the explosion at 7pm local time yesterday suggested there were at least two other devices planted in the area.
A statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are in contact with local authorities following an explosion in Bangkok.”
At this time we have no reports of British nationals killed or injured but we are urgently seeking further information.”