World leaders have condemned the attacks on Mumbai.

The United Nations said the violence was "totally unacceptable", the US called it "horrific", Britain said the attacks were "outrageous" and the European Union expressed its "indignation".

In a statement issued by his office, Ban Ki-moon, the UN secretary-general, said "no cause or grievance can justify indiscriminate attacks against civilians" and called "for the perpetrators to be brought to justice swiftly".

The White House said it had convened a meeting of senior intelligence and counter-terrorism officials in response, and stood "ready to assist and support the Indian government".

Brooke Anderson, the chief national security spokesman for Barack Obama, the US president-elect, said the attacks "demonstrate the grave and urgent threat of terrorism".

"The United States must continue to strengthen our partnerships with India and nations around the world to root out and destroy terrorist networks," he said.

Gordon Brown, the British prime minister, said he had sent Manmohan Singh, India's prime minister, a message assuring him that "the UK stands solidly with his government as they respond, and to offer all necessary help".

Witnesses at two luxury hotels attacked said British and American citizens were singled out and taken hostage.

The US and Britain said they had no reports of casualties among their citizens but Japan reported one of its nationals had been killed and another hurt, while two Australians and a European parliament employee were also injured.

The French presidency of the European Union said it had learnt of the attacks "with horror and indignation" and "condemns them in the strongest possible terms".

It said the EU "shares in the mourning of the Indian nation and stands by its side during this dramatic test".