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Sri Lanka Bombings: What you can do to help victims and authorities after the attacks

Sri Lanka Bombings: What you can do to help victims and authorities after the attacks

A reported 130 people have been killed and hundreds more injured in at least seven explosions in three different churches in Sri Lanka.

The blasts are said to have happened during Easter services in Kochchikade, Negombo and Batticaloa, with more than 50 live being taken at St Sebastian's in Negombo alone.

It has also been reported that the Shangri La, Cinnamon Grand and Kingsbury hotels in the capital city of Colombo were also targetted.

At this time no one has claimed responsibility for the attacks with the British High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, James Dauris condemned the attacks and offered his thoughts to all those involved.

The foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt has added that he is 'deeply shocked' by the attacks, calling it 'particularly wicked to target worshippers on Easter Sunday.'

In the wake of these types of events, you are more than likely to see several stories and posts on social media, claiming to show images and videos from the attack and potentially spreading misinformation despite little being made available to the public at this time.

If you happen to see anything along those lines, here are a few things that you can do that will help the authorities and avoid any confusion.

1. Get your information from official news sources

Many people will share their thoughts and what they believe has happened in Sri Lanka in the next few hours.

However, if you do feel that you must share any stories it is imperative that they are from only trusted sources of information that come from verified news outlets.

If you are currently residing in Sri Lanka you can contact the police via the following methods:

Emergency phone:

119

IG's Help Desk:

+94 11 2444480

+94 11 2444483

Police Headquartes:

+94 11 2421111

Child & Women Bureau:

+94 11 2444444

Information Room:

+94 11 2854931

Website: www.police.lk

If you have been affected by this story and currently live in the UK we recommend that you contact the Sri Lanka high commission in London.

They can be reached via the following means.

Address: 13 Hyde Park Gardens, London W2 2LU

Phone: 020 7262 1841

Website: srilankahc.uk

Email: mail@slhc-london.co.uk

Fax: 0207 262 7970

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