The cost of British colonialism

Press Association:

The London bombings will cost the UK up to £3 billion and have an effect on the economy comparable to a natural disaster or deadly virus outbreak, an expert has said.

The World Markets Research Centre said the attacks will cause similar economic damage to a hurricane or earthquake, or the Sars crisis of 2003.

Jan Randolph, head of risk at the London-based business analysts, said: "You have the immediate cost in terms of physical damage to infrastructure.

Bombings cost economy £3bn

'Attacks could cost £3bn'