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Church offers safety to 'scared' Bostonians

A spokesperson for the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston says the Church is trying to heal those affected by the Boston bombing.  Terry Donilon says he's been speaking to priests who are offering support to 'scared' parishioners. Police in Boston are urging people to stay indoors while they search for one of two brothers suspected of causing the bombings. Officers say Dzokhar Tsarnaev is on the run hours after his brother Tarmelan is believed to have been shot dead by police after a shootout in the Watertown area of the city. Properties are being searched in areas of Boston as the hunt continues and public transport's been suspended while no traffic is being allowed in or out of the area. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick gave a brief comment on the situation. He said: "This is a serious situation; we're taking it seriously and we're asking the public to take it seriously too. "We're going to need the public to help us help them."

Speaking to Premier's Des Busteed on the News Hour, Mr Donilon explained how the churches in the area are responding:

Nineteen year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev from Chechnya, went on the run after escaping a police shootout at Massachusetts Institute of Technology where one police officer was killed. Another suspect, believed to be his brother Tarmelan, was shot and taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead after suffering multiple gunshot wounds. The two suspects are reported to be brothers who'd been living in Boston for a year.

Cab driver Imran Sais explained what he heard:

"I heard a loud bloom and a rapid succession sounding like automatic weapons.

"Then I head a second explosion and there was a smell of burning in the air."

The Middlesex County district attorney's office has put out this statement:

"The suspects and police also exchanged gunfire in the area of Dexter and Laurel streets. 

"During this pursuit, an MBTA Police officer was seriously injured and transported to the hospital. 

"During the pursuit, one suspect was critically injured and transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 

"An extensive manhunt is on-going in the Watertown area for the second suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous."

The incident happened just hours after the FBI released CCTV and still images of two men who they wanted to speak to about Monday's bombings which killed three people, including an eight year-old boy, and left 170 injured. Yesterday, an interfaith service was held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston, and was attended by President Barack Obama and wife Michelle. The family of eight year-old Martin Richard - who died - are active parishioners at St Ann's Church in Dorchester, where they're receiving support from clergy. His father Bill, who's wife and daughter were also both injured, has issued a call for prayer and thanked all those who had already been praying. Meanwhile, police have issued an update on security arrangements ahead of the London Marathon this Sunday. Following the fatal bomb blasts in Boston, the number of officers here is being boosted by 40% which is intended to provide a visible reassurance to the runners and spectators. There's also an appeal for people to keep their bags with them to prevent security alerts. Christian teacher Steve Garvey is taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday.

He told Premier's News Hour that people should come out and support the athletes in a show of solidarity for the victims of the Boston bombings:

Chief Supt Julia Pendry, Gold commander for the Marathon, said:

"The Met has a wealth of experience in policing a wide range of events across London.

"We have worked with organisers, partners and other emergency services throughout the preparations for this year's marathon to ensure that we have the right plans in place.

"Following the terrible events in Boston, we are providing additional visible reassurance to the public in what is naturally a worrying time.

"I would stress there is no change to the threat level to London and nothing at this stage to link the Boston bombings to the London marathon".

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