PRIME Minister Tony Blair today expressed Britain's condolences to the United States over the latest air tragedy in a call to President George Bush.

The two leaders also discussed the developing situation in Afghanistan during the 25-minute call, his official spokesman said.

But the call was chiefly for Mr Blair to make a personal expression of sympathy to the President and his people, he said.

"The main purpose of the call was to convey this country's condolences to the President and to the people of New York and America on the air crash today," the spokesman said.

"It is still too early to be in any way sure about the cause of the crash but whatever the cause the Prime Minister was anxious that the President should hear first hand this country's condolences."

Just minutes after hearing reports of the crash Tony Blair, speaking at Downing Street , said: "We have regrettably just heard reports of an airliner that has gone down in New York.

"We simply don't know any more details than that at the present time.

"All I want to say at this juncture is that our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and with the American people at this time.

"I don't think it is sensible for us, on the basis of the information we have, to speculate any further."