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Mumbai survivors talk of Taj terror

1 Dec 2008


The bloody rampage carried out by suspected Muslim militants at 10 sites across Mumbai killed at least 174 people and wounded 239, officials have said.

The death toll was revised down from 195 by Indian authorities because some bodies had been counted twice, but they admitted it could rise again as searches continued in the Taj Mahal Palace hotel.

The bodies of another 22 victims were removed from the Taj as survivors of the Mumbai massacre spoke of their terrifying experiences.

Britons described walking through rooms strewn with bodies and "blood and guts" as they were led to safety.

Businessman Andreas Liveras is the only Briton confirmed as one of the 174 killed, but it is feared the number of British victims may rise as the remaining bodies are identified.

The nationality of the 10 terrorists who caused the carnage was still unclear although Indian officials said the sole surviving gunman was from Pakistan.

Pakistan denied any involvement and said it would move troops to the Indian border if tensions between the two nations continued to rise.

The injured included at least eight Britons, some of whom remain in hospital.

Lynne and Kenneth Shaw, of Penarth, South Wales, were in a restaurant at the Taj when the terrorists struck. They were led into a staff corridor and were close to the exit when more shots rang out.

Mrs Shaw stumbled as she tried to flee: "That probably saved my life. I think they only missed me for that reason."

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