BRUSSELS, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union (EU) leaders Thursday strongly condemned the serial blasts in central London early in the morning, in which at least 10 people were killed and 185 injured.

    "People across Europe and around the world will join in condemning what is a hideous attack on innocent civilians", EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said in a statement.

    European Parliament President Josep Borrell said he is "horrified by the terrorist attacks on London" and expressed his condolences to the families of those who have died in the "barbaric" attacks.

    "We will never let the atrocities of terrorism defeat the values of peace and democracy in Europe", he said in a statement.

    At least six blasts hit London underground stations and buses during rush hour on Thursday morning.

    In a related development, Governments across Europe have beefed up security in airports, rail stations and public transport systems on Thursday following a series of deadly rush-hour bombings in London, officials said.

    "The state of alert concerns all of Europe," Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu told reporters after a meeting of police officials and anti-terrorism experts in Rome.

    From Paris to Prague, officials stepped up security in transportation hubs and rail networks after the explosions in London, which hit both underground trains and a bus.

    A group called the Al-Qaeda Jihad in Europe claimed responsibility for the attacks, which also warned Italy and Denmark to withdraw their troops from Iraq. Enditem