The global police agency Interpol called for increased security measures, warning that the death of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden could provoke reprisal attacks around the world.

Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble urged "extra vigilance" from "law enforcement authorities to a heightened terror risk from Al-Qaeda affiliated or Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists as a result of Bin Laden's death".

"The world's most wanted international terrorist is no more," Noble said in a statement issued by his office.

"But the death of Bin Laden does not represent the demise of Al-Qaeda affiliates and those inspired by Al-Qaeda, who have and will continue to engage in terrorist attacks around the world," he warned.

"We therefore need to remain united and focused in our ongoing co-operation and fight, not only against this global threat but also against terrorism by any group anywhere," he added.

He said Interpol, a global co-ordinating body based in France that works with national police forces in 188 member states, is "on full alert for acts of retaliation should Al-Qaeda try to prove they still exist".