Armed Police rushed to protect the airport and the US Consulate yesterday as Government sought to snuff out any threat of a local repeat of yesterday's carnage in the US.

Around 175 Regiment soldiers were called up as Government acted to calm fears.

Explosive experts were attached to an airport command centre while armed Police officers and troops patrolled the perimeter - they were set to guard the nine diverted planes overnight.

Extra Customs officers with dogs were drafted in to the airport to check every single passenger at the overloaded airport which had to deal with unplanned arrivals.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "Our primary strategy was to protect the international airport and US interests."

The US Consulate was shut soon after the attack. Acting Consul General Karen Emmerson said: "For security reasons we have sent staff home.

"We really appreciate very much what the Bermuda Government and the Police did. They sent armed Police.

"At this point we don't know when it will open again. We are monitoring the situation. We will have staff in as soon as we feel safe."

She added: "I don't think there is any special threat to anyone or any property in Bermuda so people should remain calm and use good sense."

Elsewhere boat troops were seen preparing for operations likely to be based out of the Naval Annex as the Government makes sure there is no threat to the airport from the sea.

Other key points thought to have been given extra security are Government House, the oil refinery in Ferry Reach and key installations such as Belco and Telco.

Armed officers were also sent to the private home of the Acting Consul General. Sections of the Regiment which have been embodied included at least 130 members of the A Company infantry division, support company and headquarters-based staff.

Premier Jennifer Smith told the Press that Bermuda was also taking action to protect US interests on the Island.

She said the regular weekly Cabinet meeting had been suspended as news of the disaster came in, and an emergency meeting of an expanded Emergency Measures Organisation, which comprises Police, Government Ministers and the Regiment had been called for 12.30. It continued to meet throughout the day.

Police Commissioner Jonathan Smith said: "For the security services it is an extraordinary event for us.

"On occasions like this we need to respond and respond quickly. We have an armed presence at the United States Consul building in Devonshire, we have enhanced our security at the airport, which is armed.

"We have experts including the explosive and ordnance disposal team.

"We are handling security connected with the cruise ships because we have large numbers of American cruise passengers."

Last night, armed soldiers were spotted patrolling the dock.

Mr. Smith said the British Government had been consulted.

He said: "The first call I made was to get an ongoing assessment of the threat to British and by extension Bermuda interests as well.

"And clearly the American interests have been attacked in a horrific manner.

"We have very clear links with the UK and we are in a position to assess any change in the situation.

"We have not at this stage received any information that would cause us to take extraordinary steps to protect our interests."