LOCAL military bases are 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 after terrorists hijacked four American airliners with the resultant devastation, security measures were increased throughout the UK.

After an emergency meeting of the cabinet's Civil Contingencies Committee (CCC) the government announced that it was stepping up security in the hopes of preventing any terrorist attacks on British soil.

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

The new security measures mean that Hampshire Constabulary, while not believing that the county is under significant threat, has increased its patrols around military bases in the county - including RAF Odiham, RAF Oakhanger, and Bordon Garrison.

Flight Lieutenant Paul Smythe at RAF Odiham said: "Security at all military bases has been increased as a prudent precautionary measure. We are closely monitoring the situation and will take any appropriate measures."

When asked what involvement RAF Odiham personnel were likely to have in the wake of the US disaster, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence confirmed: "There are no plans to use any of the resources at RAF Odiham. Life is carrying on as normal through all UK MOD establishments."

Security has been tightened up at Longmoor and Bordon. 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 all of its four sites in Bordon and Oakhanger.

It is the focal point of military satellite communications in the UK.

Spokesman Martyn Alvey said: "We have increased security awareness at all of our sites appropriate to our instructions.

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

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 sites like Canary Wharf would be more likely targets for terrorist attacks.

While world leaders denounced the 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 Thornber 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 horror has been brought sharply home to those in the UK who fear for the lives of those who may be caught up in the disaster.

Alton baker Josh Chenery is concerned for his wife, Nathilie, who has been visiting family in Quebec and was due to fly home on Tuesday. Her flight, like thousands of others, was cancelled, as it would have cut across the the US border. No-one can tell him when the Canada 3000 flight will take off.

A statement issued by the North American department of local tour operator Travelbag Limited, said: "At this current stage, all flights from the UK to the USA have been suspended.

"The company is carefully monitoring the situation regarding flights to and from the USA and Canada and where the airlines have issued guidelines, they are contacting clients who are due to travel to the States in the next four days."

"Extensive checks have so far revealed that none of the company's clients were on any of the aircraft involved in the recent terrorist atrocity. These checks are still being undertaken."

And 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."

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