Summary

  • Eight blasts hit locations including churches and hotels across Sri Lanka, leaving at least 290 people dead and 500 injured

  • Congregations were taking part in Easter Sunday services at the churches when the blasts hit

  • The five-star Shangri-La, Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand hotels in the heart of Colombo were targeted

  • A local group named as National Thowheed Jamath are believed to be behind the attack

  • Officials say 24 people have been arrested in connection with the attacks

Live Reporting

Gareth Evans and Mal Siret

  1. Calls for public to donate blood

    As the toll keeps rising, the National Blood Transfusion Service has put out an appeal for the public to donate blood.

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  2. At least 100 killed in Sri Lanka attacks
    Breaking

    At least 100 people are confirmed to have been killed in the blasts to hit across Sri Lanka. Some reports suggest the toll is likely to rise even further

  3. 'Prime Minister chairing emergency meeting'

    The Sri Lankan cabinet is in an emergency meeting chaired by the prime minister.

    "At least 26 dead bodies are inside Kochchikade Church according to the Police, We are shocked, PM is chairing an emergency meeting" minister Mano Ganeshan told reporters after visiting the St Anthony's church in Colombo.

    St Anthony's church

  4. Church puts appeal out on Facebook

    St Sebastian's Church, Katuwapitiya in the town of Negombo, just north of Colombo put out an appeal on its Facebook page with pictures of damage to the building: "Please come and help if your family members are there", the appeal simply says.

    The port city of Negombo has a large Catholic population - approximately 65% .

  5. Sri Lanka president appeals for calm

    Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena addressed the nation and appealed for calm in the wake of the attacks.

    He has assured the people that "all security personnel" have been deployed to prevent further attacks and find out who is responsible for the serial blasts.

  6. Death toll at 50 and rising

    The death toll from the blasts has been put at about 50 by police sources, with reports it could rise further as hospitals report their casualty figures.

  7. Churches and hotels targeted in Sri Lanka

    This is the start of our live coverage of the blasts to have hit churches and hotels across Sri Lanka.

    Four churches across the country, including the historic St Anthony's church in Colombo, have been attacked.

    Three hotels in central Colombo were also hit by blasts. Stay tuned as we bring you more details and updates.