'We'll pull bombers from the sewer'

The prime minister spoke as the country mourned the dead from Monday's attacks which killed 39 people and shocked a country that has grown accustomed to such violence being confined to a troubled southern corner – and marked the return of terrorism to of Muscovites after a six-year break.

The attacks raised fears that civil liberties may again be sacrificed under the pretext of fighting terrorism – a charge Mr Putin faced during his eight-year presidency.

Yesterday he said he was sure the organisers of the bomb attacks by two women will be found. "We know that they are lying low, but it is already a matter of the pride of law enforcement agencies to drag them out of the sewer and into broad daylight."

Many have speculated the blasts – blamed on Muslim extremists in the Caucasus region, which includes Chechnya – were retaliation for the recent killing of separatist leaders in the area by Russian police. No one has claimed responsibility.