President Obama addressed the nation and the international media last night following the tragic bombings at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. He urged restraint in suggesting who may be responsible for the attacks until all the facts are in, but promised that whoever committed the crime would be brought to justice.

The address came just hours after the attack in Boston where three are now confirmed dead and hundreds injured, one an eight-year-old boy who was waiting for his father to cross the finish line.

Police had initially suggested that there might have been a third explosion at the JFK library but according to reports, the incident was actually a fire which may not be related to the bombings at the marathon.

All of the Irish contingent who were involved in the marathon have now been accounted for, apparently including the 108 runners who were signed up for the event. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs has kept their emergency number operating in case anyone has any queries about friends or family in Boston. The emergency number is 01 478 0822.