Eta bid to kill King of Spain

At least 42 people were injured today when a car bomb exploded outside a Madrid convention centre due to host the king and queen.

King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia were set to attend an art exhibition opening when the Basque separatist group ETA launched its attack.

The 9.35am blast led to scores of commuters running through the streets in fear of further explosions. One witness said: "It is a miracle nobody was more seriously injured. The bomb exploded only yards from a building packed with workers."

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said: "Most of the injuries were light or moderate ... cuts and bruises."

The explosion comes as police launch a massive operation against ETA.

Today's attack will be seen as a serious blow to Madrid's hopes of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games.

The palace said the king and queen would still attend tonight's ceremony.