A BERMUDIAN lawyer living in London yesterday described an overwhelming sense of pragmatism in the city after an apparent terrorist attack left at least 37 dead and more than 700 wounded.

The capital was rocked by four explosions which blew through parts of the London Underground and ripped open a packed double-decker bus in Tavistock Place.

"The mood is resolved," said Warren Cabral of Appleby Spurling Hunter. "People are going about their business ? I saw people having drinks at the bars. I saw normal activity, bar getting on the Underground. People were just going about doing whatever they normally go about doing."

The attack, the most deadly to hit London since World War Two, shut down the city's transport system soon after the explosives went off at 8.51 a.m. Prime Minister Tony Blair laid the blame on Islamic militants. A group calling itself The Secret Organisation of al-Qaida in Europe claimed responsibility

Mr. Cabral said he was seated at his desk before the bombs went off, but regularly takes the Tube to his office.

"We're right next to the Bank of England which is in the centre of the business district at Bank Tube station. It's less than a half mile from the various affected stations ? less than half a mile from Moorgate, less than half a mile from Liverpool Street, less than half a mile from Aldgate.

"I didn't see anything. We stayed in our offices. We'd signed up for an alert service so we got regular alerts from police and followed best practice in terms of what to do in these circumstances. Because there were cordons in the streets, we couldn't really go very far anyway."

The lawyer said he heard sirens throughout the day and followed the events on the Internet.

"I walked home because there's no transport. The entire city was on its feet ? there is limited bus service, but of course, the buses are full."

Asked if the attack had come as a surprise, Mr. Cabral said no.

"Anybody who lives in London, and indeed lives in Europe, is aware that there is a threat at all times. There have been regular statements from the police in London, from the Home Secretary, that an attack on London is inevitable.

"People have been saying that for several years. There's nothing you can do about it other than be vigilant with parcels and things. Short of leaving the country, there's nothing you can do."

Bermuda yesterday sent a string of condolences to the beleaguered city.

Premier Alex Scott likened the explosions to the violent machete attacks which took place on the last Friday.

"While the scale was different to the acts of terrorism experienced in Britain, I know that the people of Bermuda share the shock and horror of waking up to the news of the terrible events in London," he said.

"The Government of Bermuda stands in solidarity with the Government of Britain in condemning this barbarism and our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families."

The Premier added that Government intended to keep "a watching brief" on the situation as it unfolded, mindful of the fact that many Bermudians and residents have ties to the city.

Condolences were also expressed by Minister of Labour, Home Affairs & Public Safety, Randolph Horton and Governor Sir John Vereker.

"The impact of these senseless and atrocious acts resounds not only throughout the United Kingdom, but throughout the world," he said. "They cause people everywhere to reflect anew upon the importance of respect for one another, respect for life, respect for law and order and respect for those positive values that have strengthened societies for so long.

"Here in Bermuda, they cause us to reflect upon the peace and prosperity that we have traditionally enjoyed. As a community, we must adopt a zero-tolerance approach to violence and lawlessness in any form ? whether an act of terrorism or the wielding of a machete in a public place."

Said the Governor: "Terrorism will not succeed. Violence will not bring down civilised societies.

"As Tony Blair said (yesterday), our determination to defend our values and our way of life is greater than the determination of terrorists to cause death and destruction to innocent people."