Boston bloodshed

AMERICA’S special standing in the world means that any act of terrorism on its shores is going to have a profound impact – especially given the haunting legacy of the 9/11 plane hijackings and the indescribable destruction when they crashed into New York’s Twin Towers as well as Pennsylvania and Washington.

Yet, while there is every likelihood that the Boston bombs were the result of domestic terrorism in the US rather than the launch of a new offensive by acolytes of al-Qaida, Monday’s outrage was not just an attack on America but an assault on civilised values.

Just like the hideous events of September 11, 2001, those who had the misfortune to be caught up in the atrocity came from around the world – including Yorkshire. On this occasion they had gathered to celebrate one of the biggest and most prestigious marathons in the international athletics calendar.

They included runners who showed extraordinary courage, and energy, in rushing to the aid of badly injured bystanders after the detonation of the two bombs scuppered their own dreams of completing the final yards of a gruelling 26-mile race that is the centrepiece of Patriots’ Day events in Massachusetts.

Another tragic reminder that no one is immune from indiscriminate acts of terrorism, two conclusions can already be drawn from this latest outrage.

First, the strength of the bond between this country and America was underlined by the volume of sympathetic Twitter messages sent in the aftermath. Second, there is no likelihood of this Sunday’s London Marathon being cancelled, with participants even more determined to raise millions of pounds for charity while honouring those who perished in Boston. It is a response that will prove, once again, that terrorism can never prevail.