As many as 33 Britons are feared dead in the Bali bomb blast, prompting the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, to speak yesterday of the need to "eradicate this evil in our world".
After UK survivors had described how they ran for their lives from the carnage in the island resort of Kuta, Mr Blair said the attack showed "the appalling depths to which these extremists will sink". He added that their evil knew "no limits" and all steps necessary would be taken to deal with them.
Eighteen Britons are confirmed to have died in the atrocity but 15 more are missing and feared dead. Among the 15 are six Hong Kong-based Britons who were members of an amateur rugby club.
The first British victim to be identified was Mr Marc Gajardo (30), from Carnon Downs, near Truro in Cornwall, who had spent his last moments dancing with his girlfriend, Ms Hanabeth Luke (22).
His father, Mr Ray Gajardo, said yesterday: "Our world has absolutely disintegrated. It has gone to shreds. The things I am trying to hold on to are his love of life, and the fact that he was having a great time out in Bali." Mr Gajardo said he felt "total hatred" for those responsible for his son's death.
He went on: "They have taken away a son who is more like a brother to me, who we loved dearly. I just can't find anything in my heart to say that some time in the future I might find forgiveness for this."
Tourists returning from Bali told of the horrific scenes they witnessed after two bombs exploded in Kuta, creating a fireball in the busy streets. Arriving at Heathrow airport, Ms Nikki Bloomfield (27), from Sunninghill, Berkshire, said victims were left in the street with arms and legs missing.
Met by her mother Jean, Ms Bloomfield added: "We saw this huge explosion and we got quite close to it. There were live power lines lying on the ground and everyone suddenly turned round and said `Run for your lives'. It was all very scary." She added that at the airport in Bali "there were just people lying around with bandages round their heads and their legs, covered in blood". - (PA)