Anthrax cases `might be linked to bin Laden'

The anthrax outbreaks in the United States could be connected to terror suspect Osama bin Laden, Vice President Dick Cheney says.

His comments appeared to contradict an official statement by Attorney General John Ashcroft, who said there was no evidence linking the cases with terrorist actions.

"I think the only responsible thing for us to do is proceed on the basis that it could be linked," Cheney said in a television interview.

Fears of bioterrorism were mounting in the US after a woman in New York was treated for anthrax and more than 50 people were given drugs in case they had been exposed to the disease.

The outbreak comes just days after a man died in Florida and two other people were confirmed as having been exposed to the spores which cause the deadly infection.

There were also fears that media organisations were being targeted, with the woman in New York a worker for broadcaster NBC and the three cases in Florida involving staff at American Media Incorporated (AMI), publishers of tabloid magazines including The National Enquirer.

Mr Cheney said: "We know that (bin Laden) has over the years tried to acquire weapons of mass destruction, both biological and chemical weapons.

"We know that he's trained people in his camps in Afghanistan. For example, we have copies of the manuals that they've actually used to train people with respect to how to deploy and use these kinds of substances.

"So, you start to piece it altogether. Again, we have not completed the investigation and maybe it's coincidence, but I must say I'm a sceptic."