A letter bomb exploded in the Manchester office of a leading British MEP yesterday.

The device was sent to Gary Titley, leader of British Labour members in the European Parliament.

No one was injured in the attack, or by two other bombs, sent to German and Spanish political leaders.

"I was shocked to hear of the letter- bomb attacks aimed at Gary Titley MEP, as well as others at the European Parliament," said Europe minister Denis MacShane.

"The need to unite against transnational terrorism aimed at destroying democracy is more urgent than ever. The UK stands ready to help in any way it can to bring the perpetrators of these offences to justice."