Elite commandos stormed an Indian hotel today to end a hostage crisis after terrorists targeting westerners killed more than 100 people, including at least one Briton.

See also: Terror in Mumbai as Brits trapped

The Briton, an Australian and a Japanese man were killed by gunmen storming a number of targets in Mumbai.

A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are in touch with the family but will not go into detail about this.”

Several other Britons were among hundreds wounded in the raids.

One Briton who was shot in the attacks said today that she held her husband as he lost consciousness. Diane Murphy, 58, from Northumberland, was shot in the foot when terrorists stormed the Leopold Cafe.

Her husband Michael, 59, took a bullet in the ribs. He has had his spleen removed after two operations and remains in intensive care.

Mrs Murphy, who is still in hospital, said: “All of a sudden there was automatic gunfire. The whole place fell apart.

“It was tremendously loud. My husband and I were hit, as were lots of people.

“I stayed with my husband because I could tell he was seriously injured. He was losing consciousness.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said today the horrific incident was met by “shock and outrage” around the world and pledged all possible UK support for the Indian authorities in dealing with it.

Mr Brown spoke after visiting staff at a Foreign Office emergency response centre, which he said had already taken more than 800 calls. “We will do whatever is necessary to protect British citizens and ensure the world is a safer place,” he said.

“This is a horrific incident which has shocked and outraged people around the world; this is the loss of innocent lives, people just going about their daily business. We’ve got to do everything we can now to help the Indian authorities.”

Opposition leader David Cameron added: “These are absolutely horrific attacks and the pictures on our television screens are dreadful and our sympathy must be with the victims, of course, but also our support for the Indian government at this time. And we must stand together absolutely steadfast, saying these terrorists will never win.”

Gunmen had been holding hostages at the Taj Mahal Palace and Oberoi Trident hotels. Between 10 and 12 terrorists were holding between 100 and 200 people in the Oberoi, according to reports.

Police began taking hostages out of the hotel shortly after 1pm GMT. One told reporters he had seen many bodies inside.

The hostage situation at the Taj Hotel ended at about 8.30am GMT after Indian commandos stormed the building.

The city’s director general of police, A N Roy, said the terror attacks had been a “very well planned and large operation”.

A group called Deccan Mujahideen has claimed responsibility, but the British High Commissioner in India Sir Richard Stagg said the situation was still confused.

The British Foreign Office has urged against all but essential travel to Mumbai.

By David Burrows