HAS Saddam been killed or at least badly injured? Is the Iraqi regime on the point of surrender under one of history's most ferocious bombing campaigns? How long will it all last?

These are all questions which remained unanswered last night, although speculation spreads, like pieces of shrapnel, in every direction.

The certainty is the horror. For millions watching on television for the third night running, the latest onslaught was the most chilling.

The bombs were bigger and more frequent; the explosions so much louder that they made us jump.

Shock and awe has become a phrase implanted in our consciousness.

Yesterday, we had woken to the tragic reality of war with news that the mechanical failure of a helicopter had led to the first Britons losing their lives in the conflict.

They were "our boys". Mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters will be grieving somewhere in our country. Our thoughts are with them.

Iraq is not our country, but last night it was pounded by the kind of military force few have seen before.

If we were made to jump in our safe, comfortable chairs, imagine the horror of being there.

Innocents were killed and their families were left grieving - of that there is no question.

Our thoughts are with them too.