NEWCASTLE United's new signing last night condemned terror attacks that claimed the life of a North-East holidaymaker.

Emre Belezoglu spoke of his empathy with those mourning friends and family in London and his home country of Turkey during a Press conference after his move from Inter Milan.

The growing problem of terrorism in Turkey was highlighted on Saturday when Helen Bennett, from Spennymoor, County Durham, was one of five people who died after a bomb exploded on a minibus in Kusadasi.

Belezoglu was unveiled at Newcastle's training base yesterday after signing a five-year deal at St James' Park and completing a £3.8m move.

The 24-year-old said: "There are many terrorist attacks in Turkey. I share your feelings because of the attacks. I condemn the terrorism and I would like to offer my condolences to their loved ones."

Miss Bennett's brother, Adam Megoran, 16, was transferred from Newcastle General Hospital to the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary yesterday. Her aunt, Toni Punshon, 41, and cousin, Sam Punshon, 14, from Sherburn, near Durham, were taken to the hospital's burns unit.

Miss Bennett's fiance, Stephen Stables, 23, who was seriously injured in the blast, was too poorly to return to the region on Tuesday.

His condition was last night said to have improved, although he is expected to be kept in Ege University Hospital, in Izmir, for some time.

It is not known whether he will be able to attend Miss Bennett's funeral, which will be arranged after an inquest into her death is opened.