SHAUN Woodward, who was in New York at the time of the terrorist attacks on the city's World Trade Centre, has condemned what he called the "agents of evil" behind them.

In a statement to the Star the St Helens South MP (seen below) said: "The events of the past week have been horrifying and terrifying. The lives of hard-working men and women, of parents and children, have been mindlessly taken by agents of evil who must be brought to justice".

He also expressed his admiration for the emergency services and the spirit of the American people. "The selfless efforts of the emergency services have been truly heroic. They have worked in unimaginably difficult and trying circumstances, and battled on despite many of them losing their colleagues and friends", added Shaun.

"The devastation is a truly heartbreaking and hideous sight. One is filled with revulsion for those who perpetrated these atrocities; and with admiration for the stoicism and generosity of the American people, who over the past week have shown a strength of spirit and resolve that is truly remarkable".

Meanwhile, Mr Woodward was due to visit Afghanistan with UNICEF and a delegation of British MPs to examine the plight of children who become refugees. The current crisis has resulted in the trip being cancelled.