David Cameron has vowed to help Norway to hunt down the “murderers” responsible for terrorist attacks in the country which have killed at least sixteen people.
"I was outraged to hear about the explosion in Oslo and attack in Utoya today that have killed and injured innocent people.
"My thoughts are with the wounded and those who have lost friends and family, and I know everyone in Britain will feel the same.
"These attacks are a stark reminder of the threat we all face from terrorism.
"I have called Prime Minister Stoltenberg this evening to express my sincere condolences and to let him know that our thoughts are with the Norwegian people at this tragic time. I have offered Britain's help, including through our close intelligence cooperation. We will work with Norway to hunt the murderers who did this and prevent any more innocent deaths.
"We can overcome this evil, and we will", he said in a statement on Friday evening.
The prime minister’s comments came in the wake of a bomb attack in Oslo and a shooting in nearby Utoya, thought to be linked.
Government buildings and the offices of a major newspaper were hit following the blast, which also set the oil ministry on fire. Some reports have suggested more than one explosion went off in the city, others also suggest that two more bombs lie undetonated in the capital.
Seven people are reported to have died in the blast, where as 9-10 are reported to have died after the shooting in Utoya.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “I send my deepest condolences to all those who have lost relatives or been injured in today’s horrific bomb blast in Oslo.
“Our Embassy stands ready to provide assistance to any British nationals who may have been caught up in the attack.
“We condemn all acts of terrorism. The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Norway and all our international allies in the face of such atrocities. We are committed to work tirelessly with them to combat the threat from terrorism in all its forms.”
The British Ambassador to Norway earlier said there was “no information” British citizens had been injured or killed in the attacks.
Up to 20 people may be dead after the shooting in Utoya, according to eyewitness reports.