Bomb alert after Blair visit

Two bombs were found today in the Sardinian resort visited by Tony Blair, fuelling concern over the Prime Minister's security.

They were defused by police only hours after Mr Blair left the island, where he had been a guest of Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Mr Blair and his wife Cherie had just left Villa Certosa when a tip-off about the terrorist devices was sent to a local paper. According to reports, the caller gave the location of one bomb, contained in a litter bin, but added: "The other one - we're not telling you, go and find it. It's for Berlusconi."

Police discovered both devices in the coastal town of Porto Rotondo, close to the Berlusconi estate. The second bomb was hidden in an abandoned motor scooter in the town centre.

Security for Mr Blair's short visit to Italy was tight as Islamic terrorists have recently targeted the country over its role in the war in Iraq.

The two bombs - sticks of dynamite with crude timers - were claimed by Italian anarchists Proletarian Combatant Groups, blamed for 20 attacks over four years.

Downing Street appeared relaxed about the attack. A spokesman said: "It is a matter for the Italian authorities and it is our practice not to comment on security matters."