Message from Queen to King Harald

12:14 pm on 24 July 2011

The Queen has written to King Harald of Norway to express sympathy over the attacks in his country, saying her thoughts are with Norwegian people.

A bomb in Oslo left seven people dead on Friday afternoon before a gunman opened fire at a youth camp, killing at least 85 people.

A Norwegian man, Anders Behring Breivik, 32, is in custody, in connection with both attacks.

In her message, the Queen said:

''I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic loss of life of so many people on the island of Utoeya and in Oslo.'

''Prince Philip joins me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to your majesty and the people of Norway.

''Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by the dreadful atrocity.''

The Norwegian embassy in Belgrave Square, central London, was open on Saturday, its flag flying at half mast.

London Mayor Boris Johnson has written to the mayor of Oslo, saying: ''Our thoughts are with those who have died, the bereaved and those injured.''

Prime Minister David Cameron has spoken to Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg and Britain has offered police assistance.

''It's on a scale, frankly, that is hard to comprehend,'' said Mr Cameron.

''The Norwegians are old friends and allies and neighbours of Britain, and I know that everyone in Britain will want to stand with the Norwegian people in the days of sorrow that lie ahead.''

Home Secretary Theresa May said she spoke to Norwegian Justice Minister Knut Storberget on Saturday morning.

''I told him that the Norwegian people remain foremost in our thoughts and that the loss of so many young people is particularly tragic.

''I made clear to Minister Storberget that we will help in any way we can. In particular I offered police assistance, which we stand ready to provide should Norway request it,'' she said.