The toll in a series of eight blasts in Sri Lanka on Sunday has risen to at least 207, with over 450 people wounded, police spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.
Speaking at a press conference, he said three people had been arrested in connection with the attacks that mostly targeted high-rise hotels in the capital.
British Jewish community leaders have joined international figures in condemning a “shocking” series of terror attack on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka.
Reports from the country’s capital, Colombo, said initially at least 138 people were reportedly dead while more than 500 are in hospital.
Prime Minister Theresa May led tributes saying “no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear” following blasts which tore through three churches and three hotels on the tiny Island.
In Colombo, St Anthony’s Shrine and the Cinnamon Grand, Shangri-La and Kingsbury hotels were targeted.
Other blasts were reported at St Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, a majority Catholic town north of Colombo, and at Zion Church in the eastern town of Batticaloa.
Board of Deputies president Marie van der Zyl tweeted: “We condemn the shocking bomb attacks on those murdered innocently at prayer in churches in Sri Lanka for Easter morning and in other hotels.
“All our sympathies are with the victims and their families at this terrible time.”
Senior Reform rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner tweeted: “Horrified by news of terror attacks on churches in Sri Lanka on such a holy day for Christians. Jewish communities stand in solidarity with our Christian friends in Sri Lanka terror attack rejecting hatred and violence wherever it occurs”
A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are aware of reports of a number of explosions in Sri Lanka, including Colombo, and we are urgently seeking information from the local authorities.
“British nationals in Sri Lanka should follow the instructions of the local authorities and check FCO travel advice for updates.”
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said it was not aware of any Israeli victims in the attacks, according to Times of Israel.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the “horrifying attacks”.
He added: “To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked.”
