SIR Paul McCartney told of his horror after witnessing the aftermath of the disaster from the window of his Concorde flight, which landed in New York just minutes after the crash.

The former Beatle was flying into New York's JFK airport to promote his single Freedom, recorded for the victims of the September 11 attacks, when he saw the smoke rising from the scene of the tragedy.

Sir Paul said: "I looked out of the window and saw smoke and thought 'Oh God not again'. It was like the Trade Towers all again."

But he said it had not put him off flying or visiting the United States, insisting that his resolve to help those affected by the terror strikes was even more strengthened.

"I am just going to keep on going and keep at it. We have got to get behind America. That is why I have done this song.

"They need people to carry on coming here and I am determined to do all I can.