BBC News, 11:05am
Lewis: We have just received a statement from St. Thomas’ Hospital, saying that the first confirmed fatality of the Downing Street explosion is the Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Gus O’Donnell. 38-year old O’Donnell was a well-known confidant of the Prime Minister, having served as his press secretary while Chancellor of the Exchequer. It is believed that the Home Secretary, as the most senior cabinet member not involved in the event, will be delivering a statement in ten minutes’ time.
*****
Scotland Yard, 11:10am
A 999 responder receives a very intriguing call.
Responder: 999, what’s your emergency?
Caller: We did this. We warned you. Until our people are free, there will be no rest for yours. We have struck at the heart of your government, and we will continue to do so, until you set us free.
Responder: Can I take a name please?
The line goes dead.
*****
Smith Square, 11:15am
Kenneth Baker is stood with Chris Patten, looking incredibly solemn indeed.
“I’m not ready for this, Chris.” “None of us are, Kenneth. But we can’t say nothing.”
Baker gulps, and walks into the Conservative press room, where a horde of cameras and journalists face him. He clears his throat, and delivers a pre-prepared statement.
Baker: As you no doubt know by now, terror has struck this shores again. This time, it fell right where democracy lives, at 10 Downing Street. It is my unfortunate duty to inform that two of my colleagues have been confirmed to have died thus far. Gus O’Donnell, the Prime Minister’s press secretary, was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack. My close friend, Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary, was taken to St. Thomas’ Hospital, where he was pronounced dead twenty-five minutes ago. Those who committed these attacks intend to deter us from going on with our lives, they strike at the very heart of our way of life, but let it be known that we know who you are, and we will do whatever we can, within our power, to stop you. Thank you.
*****
BBC News, 11:18am
Martyn Lewis struggles to hold back his emotions as the camera cuts back.
Lewis: The Home Secretary, Kenneth Baker, there, confirming that the Foreign Secretary and the Downing Street Press Secretary were killed in today’s events, bringing the number of fatalities in the attack to two.
*****