Crisis centre for Irish set up in Mumbai

A crisis centre for Irish citizens has been set up in the Indian city of Mumbai today after more than 100 people were killed in a series of terrorist attacks.

Foreign Affairs Minister Micheál Martin condemned the killings after armed militants attacked up to 10 locations last night, apparently targeting Westerners.

More than 100 people were killed, several hundred were injured and scores of people were taken hostage at a hotel.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said no Irish casualties have been reported and there are no indications Irish citizens were among those kidnapped.

“As we in Ireland know all too well terrorist atrocities such as these serve no purpose except to kill and injure innocent victims, Indian and foreign alike, and to sow panic and suspicion,” Mr Martin said.

The minister spoke to the Indian Ambassador PS Raghavan today to offer his condolences.

“I expressed the hope to the Ambassador that the Indian authorities will be able to resolve the current situation without further loss of life and that those who carried out or plotted these attacks will be brought to justice,” Mr Martin said.

Indian authorities said a Briton, an Australian and a Japanese man were among those killed by gunmen storming a number of targets.

Foreign Affairs officials are in direct contact with Irish citizens in Mumbai, have offered consular assistance and diplomatic staff from the Irish Embassy in New Delhi are being sent to set up the crisis centre at the Honorary Consulate.