11 July, 2005 - Published 21:01 GMT

Bomb rocks Port of Spain

Fourteen people have been injured in an explosion in Trinidad's capital of Port of Spain.

Reports indicate that the explosion which took place on Frederick Street in the heart of the city's main commercial area took place in a garbage can.

"We're trying to determine what caused the explosion, if it was a homemade device or some kind of explosive like a grenade or something of that nature," Police Commissioner Trevor Paul.

Chief Fire Officer Lennox Alfred was quoted by the Associated Press as saying that the 14 injured included a 26-year-old street vendor and a female
passerby who were in critical condition.

Tony Fraser, BBC Caribbean's reporter in Trinidad said he was told by a senior police officer that following the terrorist attacks in London on July 7, the police had been considering the possibility of copycat attacks taking place.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning called the incident a "dastardly act" and said he directed the national security minister and police to use all resources to catch those responsible.

"The Prime Minister wishes for a speedy recovery to those injured and traumatized and assures the nation that all emergency plans are in place ... to ensure normalcy is returned in the shortest possible time," a statement from the Prime Minister's office said.