Osama bin Laden shot dead

British politicians are considering the implications of Osama bin Laden's death at the hands of US special forces.

The leader of al-Qaida and alleged mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attacks was killed in a firefight at a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

His body was later buried at sea in a traditional Muslim burial.

The death of the man who has been at the top of the US most-wanted list for a decade has brought scenes of jubilation in America.

Crowds descended on the White House and Ground Zero chanting 'U-S-A, U-S-A' when President Obama announced the news Sunday night.

There are fear of reprisals from Bin Laden's supporters and security has been tightened at British embassies.