Global outrage at Boston blasts

Paris (AFP): Vladimir Putin led a chorus of condemnation today from across the globe over what the Russian leader called the "barbaric" bomb attack that killed at least three and wounded more than 100 at the Boston Marathon. Herewith some of the main reactions from around the world: Putin sent US President Barack Obama a message of condolence in which he condemned "this barbaric crime." In New Delhi, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh joined world leaders in condemning the terror attack in Boston. In a letter to Obama Tuesday, he described it as a "senseless and cowardly act of violence" and offered India's full support in combating terror. "In keeping with the excellent cooperation between India and the United States to combat terrorism, we offer you our full support," he wrote. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she was "horrified" and that "nothing justifies such a malicious attack on people attending a peaceful sporting event". In Paris, President Francois Hollande voiced "France's complete solidarity with the American authorities and people" following the deadly blasts at Monday's race. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti sent a message to President Obama condemning the "cowardly" attack. "I am sure that even in these painful circumstances, America will know how to react by reaffirming the fundamental values of its great civilization," he said. Afghan President Hamid Karzai said: "Having suffered from terrorist attacks and civilian casualties for years, our people feel better the pain and suffering arising from such incidents." European Union and NATO leaders were also swift to condemn the atrocity, with EU foreign affairs head Catherine Ashton saying the attacks, "deliberately targeting men, women and children," were "reprehensible". NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said he was "deeply shocked." Distance running greats Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe were among those stunned by the twin blasts. "There are some very sick people out there. Who would do something like this?" asked Radcliffe, the fastest women's marathoner in history, on Twitter. Ethiopia's Gebrselassie said: "Running brings people together, but what just happened in Boston is terrible."

Blood-spattered Patriots' Day Boston (Agencies): The two blasts at Boston Marathon finishing point on Monday created chaos and havoc as runners and spectators scrambled to escape the venue. Blood and debris was strewn on the sidewalks near the finish line of the marathon. The blasts occurred in the heart of Boston city, an area dotted with popular tourist destinations, bars, luxury shops, restaurants and busy hotels. The bomb was apparently placed in a garbage can and exploded just as the last of the nearly 27,000 marathoners were approaching the finish line. The marathon is held annually on the Patriots' Day, the third Monday of April, a state holiday in Massachusetts. The blasts occurred as thousands of spectators lined the sidewalks to cheer on the marathoners. Several runners collapsed on the ground due to the impact of the blasts which tore through the windows of buildings nearby. "It was just immediately (evident) there were injuries, right in the middle of the spectator crowds," said sports producer Steve Silva, who was on the scene to cover the race. "There was blood everywhere; there were victims being carried out on stretchers. I saw someone lose their leg. People are crying. People are confused," Silva, who captured one of the explosions on video, said moments after the blasts.