Terrorist bomb attacks in Iraq will not force the coalition out, Downing Street has said.

Number 10 admitted on Wednesday there is concern following the two massive car bombs in Iraq that have left dozens dead or injured.

"There is no point in pretending that the last 24 hours have been anything other than grim," said the official spokesman.

But there was also a call for people not to lose sight of the "big picture" and what had been achieved in Iraq since the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Attacks

The latest car bomb attack outside an army recruitment centre on Wednesday left at least 36 dead.

It followed a car bomb at a police recruiting centre which killed at least 50 people.

The latest wave of attacks brought condemnation from Number 10 and a message of defiance.

"The Iraqi people and the coalition are not going to be bombed and intimidated by people who stand for nothing beyond their own prejudice and hatred," the spokesman said.

"We simply have to remain focused on the prize which has been guiding us throughout which is a free Iraq."