"More than 50 fatalities"

Sir Ian Blair, Metropolitan Police commissioner, has confirmed in a press conference today that the death toll from yesterday's terrorist attacks in London will be more than 50.

In the press conference, he also said that it was confirmed there were four – not six – crime scenes. The confusion yesterday had arisen because survivors had emerged from different stations having walked along the tracks from damaged trains.

The Met’s Andy Hayman says initial investigations show each device had less than 10lb of high explosive. The devices on the tube trains were, it is thought, put on the floor, although it’s unclear exactly where the bomb was positioned – floor or seat - on the bus.

-- Liverpool St – bomb was in the third carriage, 100 yards into the tunnel.

-- King’s Cross and Russell Square – device in the first carriage, in the standing area next to the first set of double doors.

-- Edgware Road – second carriage, in the standing area by the first set of double doors.

Mr Hayman said there would be a forensic examination at each of the scenes. These were “very challenging” scenes. The scene at Russell Square is worst – officers have yet to get access to the train because the deep tunnel there is potentially unsafe. There is the added risk of vermin and dangerous substances in the air.

He asks for patience as the forensic analysis continues – they don’t want to rush, he says. And he appeals for the community’s help. “The community binds together in these situations, and they can provide us with the information that can make the difference,” he says.