Hertsmere MP James Clappison was visiting Washington when one of the hijacked planes struck the Pentagon.

It is believed that Mr Clappison was in a government building nearby when the American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon, killing an estimated 800 people.

Mr Clappison was part of an all-party delegation, including seven MPs and one peer, who travelled to Washington and Texas to discuss issues including security and international terrorism.

The Tory backbencher won his third election in June this year with a majority of 4,902 over his Labour challenger Hilary Broderick.

September 13, 2001 9:25