Attack fallout hits Europe

A man shows his solidarity at the US embassy in Moscow

The fallout from the attacks in the United States was felt across Europe on Wednesday as security was tightened, events were cancelled and air transport was plunged into chaos.

Many people gathered at US embassies to lay flowers and pay their respects to the thousands thought to have died in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Most European states stepped up their national security and extra measures were imposed on potential targets.

The people of Russia share the grief of the American people and sympathise with the relatives and friends of those killed in these tragic events

President Putin

People at airports across Europe have faced widespread disruption as all flights to North America were cancelled, as well as many to Israel.

Security at American embassies has been tightened, with armoured personnel carriers stationed outside many US missions.

In Paris, bomb disposal experts removed two suspect cars from in front of the US and UK embassies.

A police officer collects flowers outside the US embassy in Berlin

France has been placed on a heightened security alert involving the deployment of armed troop patrols at airports and metro stations, as well as increased street and border controls.

Italy has stepped up to "Bravo" state of alert - its second highest level of security.

Sport has also been hit. Uefa called off all this week's Champions League and Uefa Cup ties across Europe.

Football matches in Germany have also been cancelled.

Mourners light candles in Berlin

The German Foreign Ministry and one of Frankfurt's main skyscrapers were evacuated after bomb scares.

Regional authorities had recommended that Frankfurt's main buildings remain closed on Wednesday as a precautionary measure, but Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank and Commerzbank all opened up as normal.

Frankfurt and other European stock exchanges held a minute's silence at 1245GMT to pay their respects to the victims.

Frankfurt's motor show cancelled its gala opening, which Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder had been due to attend.

Dead honoured

"This type of terrorist violence, this indiscriminate extinguishing of innocent human life, throws basic laws of our civilisation into question," said Mr Schroeder.

He joined hundreds of Germans for a memorial service in Berlin - a city with strong US ties.

Irish leader Bertie Ahern declared a day of national mourning on Friday, while in Russia, President Putin decreed a nationwide minute's silence for Thursday.

"The people of Russia share the grief of the American people and sympathise with the relatives and friends of those killed in these tragic events," President Putin said.

I have never forgotten the thousands of Serb civilians who died under Nato's bombs - the United States has reaped what it has sowed around the world

Serb nationalist Vojislav Seselj

People gathered at the embassy in Moscow to lay flowers. One message read: "The United States - we are with you".

"The Americans did not know what terrorism is. I am sorry for them, they have paid a terrible price. But now they know," said one Moscow housewife.

In Yugoslavia, Serb ultra-nationalist Vojislav Seselj had little sympathy for the US.

"I'm not saying I'm glad that civilians died, but I can't say that I regret terrorist attacks against the United States," he said.

"I have never forgotten the thousands of Serb civilians who died under Nato's bombs. The United States has reaped what it has sowed around the world," he added.