Interpol pledge Mumbai probe help

Mr Noble said India was experienced in using Interpol services

The head of the global police agency Interpol has pledged to assist India in its investigations into last month's attacks in Mumbai.

Ronald Noble told Indian Home Minister Palaniappan Chidambaram that he was ready to help with DNA, fingerprinting and distribution of information.

The news comes as two luxury hotels targeted in the attacks prepared to partially reopen.

The November attacks left at least 170 dead and many more wounded.

In a statement, Mr Noble said the Indian government and Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) were experienced in using Interpol tools and services to pursue "terrorist fugitives".

"India understands that it cannot be expected to find the answers to this incident without the support of the global law enforcement community, and we will help ensure that this happens," said Mr Noble.

Security has been stepped-up in India following the attacks, which India has blamed on Pakistan-based militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

LeT and the Pakistani government have denied any involvement.

'Complete deterrent'

The Oberoi and Taj Mahal Palace hotels were among the locations targeted by the 10 gunmen in November, along with a railway station and a Jewish centre.

Both hotels were due to reopen unaffected sections of their buildings on Sunday, with increased security.

Rattan Keswani, president of Trident Hotels which owns part of the Oberoi, said everyone wanted to be sure there was "a complete deterrent" to any future attacks.

"We need armed presence, and we are adding to it," said Mr Keswani, adding that the hotel would be fitted with surveillance systems, baggage scanners and strict security.

Mr Keswani said there was "a huge amount of sadness in everybody's mind" but that he was proud of his staff for committed "100%" to reopening the hotel.