Straw condemns Saudi terror attack

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has condemned a terror attack in Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh which left at least two people dead and injured scores more late on Saturday night.

Three explosions rocked the Muhayya residential compound, which is home to hundreds of foreign workers, mostly Arabs and other Muslims. The Foreign Office this morning said the three British residents of the compound were safe and well.

Mr Straw said the attack was an act of "hideous barbarity" which showed contempt for the teachings of Islam as well as disregard for the lives of the victims.

A Saudi Government official said that a car bomb was detonated by a suicide attacker inside the compound of around 200 villas following an exchange of fire with security guards. He said 86 people were wounded and two killed - security guards from India and Sudan.

Diplomats reported one big explosion at about midnight, followed by two smaller ones 15 seconds apart.

Many adult residents of the compound were out at the time, as it is the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during the day and have dinners and parties late into the night. Most of the wounded were believed to be children.

The outrage came a day after America closed its three diplomatic missions in the Gulf kingdom and issued a warning of imminent terror attacks.

The official Saudi Press Agency described the attack as "terrorist", but it was not yet known whether it was linked to Osama bin Laden's al Qaida network.

In a statement issued in London, Mr Straw said: "I condemn utterly this hideous barbarity. These murderers have shown absolute contempt for Islam and for people of all nations."

"This was indiscriminate murder of men, women and children of various nationalities during the holy month of Ramadan. I sent heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the victims."

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