US pledges to help Pakistan pursue church attack culprits

The United States says it will help Pakistan pursue the terrorists responsible for a grenade attack at a Protestant church used by foreigners.

Five people were killed, including a US Embassy employee and her teenage daughter.

Ten Americans were among the 45 people injured in the attack about 400 yards from the American Embassy in Islamabad.

"I strongly condemn them as acts of murder that cannot be tolerated by any person of conscience nor justified by any cause," President George Bush said.

"We will work closely with the government of Pakistan to ensure those responsible for this terrorist attack face justice," Mr Bush said.

At least one young man - possibly two - ran through the Protestant International Church during a Sunday service. No group claimed responsibility, but suspicion fell on those angered by Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's crackdown on Islamic extremism.

The embassy identified the Americans as Barbara Green, who worked in administration at the embassy, and her daughter Kristen Wormsley, a senior at the American School in Islamabad. Mrs Green's husband works in the embassy's computer division.