MALVERN research establishment QinetiQ is on heightened alert following Tuesday's terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon in Washington.

The company, formerly the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), is renowned as one of Europe's largest research organisations.

Following Tuesday's terrorist attack in America, QinetiQ responded immediately to Government advice.

Spokesman Stephen Cooke said: "Because of the nature of our business, it is seen as appropriate to also increase vigilance on our sites at this stage. As far as I am aware, there are other businesses who will also be on heightened status."

Firefighters at Ledbury Fire Station will join colleagues throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire in a one-minute silence at 11am today as a mark of respect for almost 300 New York firefighters killed in the Trade Centre attack and flags will be flown at half-mast.

Malvern's Chief Fire Officer David O'Dyer has sent messages of condolence along with West Mercia Chief Constable Peter Hampson and Worcest-ershire County Council.

Rev Dr Colin Beevers, the rector of Ledbury, said he shared the feelings of total disbelief when he first saw the pictures and Fr Pat Coyne, of the Roman Catholic Church of the Most Holy Trinity, said sympathy went out to bereaved families.

"We have to pray that evil acts will be overcome," he said.

Former Malvern vicar, Rev David Smith, has spoken of the presumed loss of his cousin.

Richard Cudina was at work on the 101st floor of the first of the twin towers hit.

"Since the attack I've been looking at the photographs and television film and I would have thought, on the 101st floor, that he got a direct hit but the worst thing is we don't know," he said.

"There's no news at all and we don't know whether they will ever find him."