LONDON - A British man who was injured in the Atlanta bombing was taking the holiday of a lifetime with his gay partner. Mr Brian Carr (53), from Freethorpe, Norfolk, underwent nine hours of emergency brain surgery over the weekend as doctors battled to save his life.

His partner, Mr Chris Hankinson (36), told of the moment father of two Mr Carr was cut down by a hail of glass and metal shrapnel as they listened to a rock concert.

"I couldn't believe it was real," he said. "We had been visiting a couple of gay bars and we were just having a great party. Everybody was so friendly that we wished we could stay here forever."