Britons among the more than 200 dead after eight explosions in Sri Lanka

British citizens are thought to have been killed in the synchronised explosive attack in Sri Lanka.

At least 200 have perished in the attack, which saw six almost-simultaneous blasts which targeted churches and five-star hotels and two blasts reported later in the day.

It is believed 35 foreigners are among the dead, including British, American and Dutch citizens.

Security officials say the incident appears to be a co-ordinated terror attack and suspect at least two of the explosions were caused by suicide bombers.

【ギャラリー】Sri Lanka terror attacks28

The first blast ripped through St Anthony's Shrine in Colombo.

A second explosion was reported at St Sebastian's Church in Negombo, a Catholic majority town north of Colombo.

The Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels were also targeted in the seemingly synchronised blasts.

The Sri Lankan Government has declared a curfew will be introduced with immediate effect following the attack. The Government did not announce when it will be lifted.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We are aware of reports of a number of explosions in Sri Lanka, including Colombo, and we are urgently seeking information from the local authorities.

"British nationals in Sri Lanka should follow the instructions of the local authorities and check FCO travel advice for updates."

James Dauris said he was in Colombo with his family at a church service which was cut short by the attacks.

He tweeted: "Our prayers for the victims of these evil attacks, and for their families. Our thoughts are with the medical staff, police and all involved in the response."

Hunt 'shocked' by attacks

Foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the "horrifying attacks".

He added: "To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked.

"My prayers are with the victims and their families, and with those assisting in the response."

Shadow education secretary Angela Rayner wrote: "Shocked and saddened by news of church and hotel bombings in Sri Lanka. Profound condolences to those who suffered in this terrorist attack, another attack on innocent people, truly awful news."

Her Labour colleague Mary Creagh posted on Twitter: "Sickening #EasterSunday #SriLanka terrorist attacks on churches & hotels. Terrible to target Christians celebrating our greatest feast day. My prayers are with victims, their families & everyone caught up in this cruel violence."

Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, wrote: "To target Christians on this their most sacred day is evil. Sending love to Sri Lankans caught in this terror."

Brexit minister James Cleverly wrote: "Sad and shocking news from Sri Lanka. My thoughts are with the Sri Lankan community both here in the UK and around the world and to those who have lost friends or family in these terrible attacks."

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena urged the public to remain calm and allow the authorities to conduct their investigations.

An emergency meeting is to be chaired by PM Ranil Wickremesinghe in the wake of the attacks.

National Hospital spokesman Dr Samindi Samarakoon says the nearly 300 wounded have been admitted to the capital Colombo's main hospital.

This article first appeared on Yahoo