Sri Lanka attacks 'truly appalling': British PM

LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the deadly string of Easter Sunday attacks on Christians in Sri Lanka as "truly appalling".

"The acts of violence against churches and hotels in Sri Lanka are truly appalling, and my deepest sympathies go out to all of those affected at this tragic time," she said on Twitter.

"We must stand together to make sure that no one should ever have to practise their faith in fear," she said on Twitter.

In her Easter message released just hours before the attacks, May offered her support to Christians around the world who face "huge danger" due to their faith.

May, the daughter of an Anglican vicar, said she would spend Easter "giving thanks in church", but "for many Christians around the world, such simple acts of faith can bring huge danger".

She said: "Churches have been attacked. Christians murdered. Families forced to flee their homes.

"That is why the government has launched a global review into the persecution of Christians.

"We must stand up for the right of everyone, no matter what their religion, to practise their faith in peace."

A string of blasts ripped through high-end hotels and churches holding Easter services in Sri Lanka on Sunday.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt branded the attacks as "wicked".

He tweeted: "I'm deeply shocked and saddened by the horrifying attacks on churches and hotels in Sri Lanka.

"To target those gathered for worship on Easter Sunday is particularly wicked.

"My prayers are with the victims and their families, and with those assisting in the response."