Dave Watts, has condemned the attack on the World Trade Centre as an appalling act of destruction and carnage.

The St Helens North MP (right) expressed his deepest sympathy for the family and friends of the thousands of people believed to have beem killed. He said: "It is impossible to overstate the heartache and the suffering that many families are now going through. Many British families and communities will be directly affected by this act of terrorism and it could be days or weeks before we can account for all those people who remain missing".

Dave added that it was now crucial that the whole of the civilised world unites to ensure that the perpetrators are hunted down and held to account for their actions. It is also very important that the international community and Government now stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the United States. "I believe that this attack demonstrates that the international community as a whole must work together to identify and deal with terrorist organisations and those who help finance terrorist activities around the world.

"We now live in a very small world and no country can isolate themselves from world conflicts. We need to act together to deal with terrorism and to help to find solutions to conflicts, which create the conditions for such terrible actions. However, I also believe that we should be on our guard against extremist groups and organisations in Britain who will seek to use this tragedy to whip up racial and religious hatred.

"Finally, I believe that the American Government and the international community have every right to take action to protect their countries and citizens from such attacks. However, any action should be measured and directed against those directly involved with this outrage. The response should also take into account international law and the long-term effect that action would have on our future security".