This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-22161178

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Northern Ireland runners tell of fears after Boston Marathon blasts Northern Ireland runners tell of fears after Boston Marathon blasts
(about 7 hours later)
Runners from Northern Ireland who took part in the Boston Marathon have expressed concern for fellow competitors after two explosions at the finish line. Runners from Northern Ireland who took part in the Boston Marathon have expressed concern for fellow competitors after two explosions near the finish line.
Two people have been killed and at least 23 injured in the blasts. Three people have been killed and more than 100 injured in the blasts.
The cause of the explosions has yet to be identified. The FBI described it as a "potential terrorist inquiry".
Newry man Sean Smith said he was worried about some of the people in his group who they still had not heard from.Newry man Sean Smith said he was worried about some of the people in his group who they still had not heard from.
"I went with Sports Travel International, I was running the marathon for my local charity, the Southern Area Hospice. "I went with Sports Travel International, I was running the marathon for my local charity, the Southern Area Hospice," he said.
"There was 12 or 13 in our group and there's a few not in yet. "There were 12 or 13 in our group and there are a few not in yet.
"I travelled on my own, but I met up with these people in the group and there's a few not back in. So we're pretty concerned about them and we're waiting to hear from them." "I travelled on my own, but I met up with these people in the group and there are a few not back in. So we're pretty concerned about them and we're waiting to hear from them."
He added: "It's a wee bit chaotic at the minute to be quite honest, there's a lot of people quite worried about their loved ones."He added: "It's a wee bit chaotic at the minute to be quite honest, there's a lot of people quite worried about their loved ones."
Boston police say officers are working around the clock and all leave has been cancelled.
At least 17 people are critically wounded, officials say, and the injuries include several amputations.
Bangor man Stephen Purdy said he did not know there had been any explosions until he phoned his wife after completing the marathon.Bangor man Stephen Purdy said he did not know there had been any explosions until he phoned his wife after completing the marathon.
"I just went back to the hostel and got showered and changed and phoned my wife - she was in tears and my son answered," he said."I just went back to the hostel and got showered and changed and phoned my wife - she was in tears and my son answered," he said.
"She was just so glad to hear from me, she told me then there had been an explosion."She was just so glad to hear from me, she told me then there had been an explosion.
"So it is a bit of a shock.""So it is a bit of a shock."
'Devices dismantled' Panic
A fire at the JFK Library in the city is not now thought to have been connected to the other blasts. In a televised address, President Barack Obama vowed to bring those behind the attack to justice.
Citing a US intelligence official, the Associated Press has reported that two more explosive devices have been found at the marathon route and are being dismantled. The first explosion came at about 14:50 local time (18:50 GMT) on the north side of Boylston Street, about two hours after the winners crossed the line.
The first explosion came at about 14:50 local time (18:50 GMT), approximately two hours after the winners crossed the line. There was initial confusion and panic. Some runners fell to the floor while police and bystanders ran to help those caught in the blast.
The Associated Press news agency said there was a loud explosion on the north side of Boylston Street, just before the bridge that marks the finish line. Another loud explosion could be heard a few seconds later, and smoke could be seen rising from the scene of the blasts. Then seconds later, a second explosion ripped into the crowd further away from the finishing line.
TV helicopter footage showed blood staining the pavement in the shopping and tourist area known as Back Bay. TV footage showed bloodied runners and spectators being treated at the scene and the road strewn with debris. Rescuers tore down temporary fencing to reach the casualties.
Bloodied victims were initially rushed to a medical tent set up to care for fatigued runners.Bloodied victims were initially rushed to a medical tent set up to care for fatigued runners.
Emergency services descended on the scene, which was quickly locked down.Emergency services descended on the scene, which was quickly locked down.
Stragglers heading for the finish line were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.Stragglers heading for the finish line were rerouted away from the smoking site of the blasts.
The annual Boston Marathon attracting a large field of runners and tens of thousands of spectators. The annual Boston Marathon attracts a large field of runners and tens of thousands of spectators.
British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston. British police are reviewing security plans for Sunday's London Marathon, the next major international marathon, following events in Boston, but officials say the event will go ahead.
The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs said the Irish Consulate in Boston was in contact with the city's authorities to establish whether any Irish people have been injured in the explosions.
According to the official Boston Marathon website, 50 competitors listed Ireland as their country of residence, and 108 listed Ireland as their country of citizenship.
The department has advised anyone who is concerned to contact them.
You can hear more of the interviews with Northern Ireland runners on Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster on Tuesday.You can hear more of the interviews with Northern Ireland runners on Good Morning Ulster on BBC Radio Ulster on Tuesday.