LONDON, July 8: Desperate Londoners hunted for missing relatives on Friday after suspected al Qaeda bombers killed more than 50 people in rush-hour blasts, while rescue workers struggled to retrieve bodies trapped deep underground.

Fears of more attacks and false alarms kept commuters and financial markets jittery, while authorities worldwide went on alert following threats from Islamic militants to strike other countries which, like Britain, have troops in Iraq.

A day after four bombs tore through three underground trains and a double-decker bus, the capital slowly got back to work. Many people took the day off, but others ventured back onto London’s creaking transport network, some fearful, many defiant.

Police said 49 people were confirmed dead, but emergency staff were still retrieving bodies trapped far underground in one of the subway system’s deepest tunnels, where the city’s police chief said the scene was one of “extraordinary horror”.

Muslims across Britain mourned the dead and condemned the bombers at Friday prayers but expressed fears of a backlash.

Queen Elizabeth, visiting the wounded in hospital, reflected the mood of many when she said Britain would not be cowed.

“Sadly, we in Britain have been all too familiar with acts of terror. Members of my generation ... know that we have been there before.” she said. “Those who perpetrate these brutal acts against innocent people ... will not change our way of life.”

Psychologists said decades of bombings by Irish republicans could help Londoners deal with the trauma. Others highlighted the capital’s resilience during World War Two.

“If London can survive the Blitz it can survive four miserable events like this,” said police chief Ian Blair.

Police chief Blair said they did not suspect suicide bombers. He said more than one person carried out the attacks and those responsible were either at large or dead. Police have made no arrests yet.

Muslims condemned the bombers at Friday prayers but said they feared retaliation as the Muslim Council of Britain was deluged with abusive messages—Reuters