Bush calls Brown, lauds him for bomb plot response

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine, July 3 (Reuters) US President George W Bush called British Prime Minister Gordon Brown to commend him for his response to a series of bomb plots in Britain and to offer assistance.

Bush phoned Brown yesterday from his Air Force One presidential jet while en route to Washington after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Bush family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine.

''The president commended Prime Minister Brown on his response to the recent terrorism incidents in Great Britain,'' White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe said. ''The prime minister told the president of the resolve of the British public to not be intimidated by terrorists.'' Bush reaffirmed that the United States ''is prepared to offer any assistance desired and noted the importance of continued cooperation,'' Johndroe said.

Eight people were being held yesterday in connection with a suspected al Qaeda plot to detonate car bombs in London and Scotland last week.

REUTERS DKS RAI0417