BORDON is on red alert this week, in the aftermath of the most devastating terrorist attack in modern history.

While the world watched in horror on Tuesday, as terrorists hijacked four American airliners, which were then crashed into New York's World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and at Pittsburgh, security measures were increased throughout the UK.

After an emergency meeting of the cabinet's civil contingencies committee, the government announced that it was stepping up security in the hope of preventing any terrorist attacks on British soil.

Foreign Secretary Jack Straw announced that all military bases and police forces have been placed on red alert.

The new security measures mean that Hampshire Constabulary has increased its patrols around military bases in the county - including Bordon.

Sgt Steve Blencoe said that officers from Whitehill will continue to be vigilant about security in the garrison town.

The Army bases at Longmoor, Budds Lane and Station Road are also increasing security checks.

An Army spokesman said: "As directed, we have increased our levels of security and stepped up the security alert to the next level.

"We have lots of units around the county and quite a few small ones in Bordon, and this affects all of them."

RAF Oakhanger has also increased security at its four sites in Bordon and Oakhanger.

It is the focal point for military satellite communications in the UK and houses two satellite communications (Satcom) units and a NATO satellite ground terminal.

Spokesman Martyn Alvey said: "Our security has been reviewed as is appropriate and we are following the instructions of those from above."

Nearby RAF Odiham is taking similar measures, as is the naval base in Portsmouth.

The new security measures have been put in place as a precaution, although it is thought that MoD bases in London and very high profile civilian targets such as Canary Wharf would be more likely targets for terrorist attacks.

While world leaders denounced the terrorist attacks, thought to have claimed thousands of lives, civic leaders added their voices to the condemnation of the meticulously planned atrocity.

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thormber said: "These events are beyond comprehension. They have been perpetrated by people who must be evil in the extreme.

"The nations of the world must unite and stamp out terrorism if there is to be any security left in this world.

"Our hearts must go out to all those families who will have lost their loved ones in this wicked act."

The Foreign Office has issued a warning to Britons overseas to be on alert for possible "heightened tension and disruption worldwide".

Britons worried about friends and relatives in New York have been told to contact the Home Office emergency number 020 7008 0000.

p Herald proprietor Sir Ray Tindle has sent a message of condolence to the manager and staff of his Californian newspaper, The Idyllwild Town Crier.

In it he says: "I want you to know of the enormous wave of sympathy here for your country over the dreadful attack upon New York and Washington.

"Our Queen has conveyed to President Bush the feelings of all of us in Britain.

"Please tell your colleagues of our deep sympathy and concern and anger on your behalf. We stand firmly with you."