Bush vows to hunt down 'coward' behind attacks

President George Bush last night returned to Washington, determined to demonstrate that it was business as usual. Speaking briefly to the nation from the Oval Office he pledged to bring to justice those who had committed this "despicable" act, hinting the casualty toll would run to thousands.

And, crucially, he warned that we "will make no distinction between those who committed this act and those who harboured them." It is a promise that he will also want backing from allies on for the retaliation that will certainly follow.

America, he said, had been attacked "because it is the brightest beacon of freedom" but that terrorism would not "dent the steel of our resolve". The President spoke of sharing "a terrible sadness and quiet unyielding anger" but asked for the prayers of the American people for all those who grieved and for the children whose lives had been shattered.

He cited Scripture: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear not, for You are with me".

Once again he promised to dedicate all the resources of the Federal Government to assist the wounded and bereaved and to bring those responsible to justice.

Earlier, speaking in Louisiana he said that "Freedom itself was attacked this morning by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended. "Our military at home and around the world is on high-alert status and we have taken the necessary security precautions to continue the functions of your government," Mr Bush said, his back to a pair of American flags and the portraits of Air Force leaders.

Mr Bush had cut short a visit to Florida to fly on secret service advice to the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command in Omaha, Nebraska, where he convened by teleconference a meeting of the National Security Council. He then flew back to the capital.

The President was told about the attack by his National Security Adviser, Ms Condoleeza Rice, at about 9a.m., just minutes after the first plane hit the World Trade Centre.

On Capitol Hill in Washington, the first lady, Mrs Laura Bush, tried to soothe a horrified nation.

"Parents need to reassure their children everywhere in our country that they're safe," she said as she announced that the hearing was postponed. Mrs Bush and a handful of aides were whisked by motorcade straight to a secure location.