America Celebrates: Osama Dead and President Bush Reacts to News

Hundreds of people have been gathering outside the White House to celebrate the news that Osama bin Laden has been killed by US special forces.

Crowds chanted "USA, USA" and waved flags and hastily made banners.

Former US President George W Bush called the killing of Bin Laden a "momentous achievement".

In a statement he said: "The fight against terror goes on, but tonight America has sent an unmistakable message: No matter how long it takes, justice will be done."

Former US Secretary of State Conoleezza Rice said: "The demise of Osama Bin Laden is a tremendous victory for the American people.

"Nothing can bring back Bin Laden's innocent victims, but perhaps this can help salve the wounds of their loved ones."

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Americans had kept their promise after the September 11 attacks to capture or kill Bin Laden.

He said he hoped the news would "bring some closure and comfort to all those who lost loved ones" that day.