California bridges 'target for attack'

Terrorists are planning to blow up the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco as one of a number of targets on the west coast of America, the governor of California said last night.

Gray Davis claimed law enforcement agents had uncovered "credible evidence" of a plot to blow up four bridges in California during the rush-hour between today and next Wednesday. Other suspected targets include the Vincent Thomas Bridge in Los Angeles and the Coronado Bridge in San Diego.

National Guard troops and coastguards have been ordered in to protect bridges.

Two days ago US attorney general John Ashcroft and FBI director Robert Mueller placed America on the highest alert, warning "credible" intelligence indicated a likely attack on the US or its interests overseas linked to Osama bin Laden and his al Qaeda network.

There were warnings of six planned attacks in California and Oregon over the next five days. It is believed the most dangerous period is over the next 24 hours.

The 4,200ft Golden Gate suspension bridge spans the entrance to San Francisco Bay and carries some 270,000 vehicles a day. Security there was stepped up two weeks ago after four Pakistani men were arrested while video-taping the bridge. They were released without charge.