Australian Prime Minister Kevin (above) said Australian troop numbers in Timor Leste would total about 1,000 after the new deployment. -- PHOTO: AP

Australian Prime Minister Kevin said on Monday the Timorese government had asked for the extra security help, which would comprise a 'company strength' deployment of troops and up to 70 more Australian Federal Police and be sent as soon as it could be arranged.

Australia currently leads of multinational security force in Timor Leste. Mr Rudd said Australian troop numbers in Timor Leste would total about 1,000 after the new deployment.

'For there to be a coordinated attempt to assassinate the democratically elected leadership of a close friend and neighbour of Australia's is a deeply disturbing development,' Mr Rudd told a news conference in Canberra, the national capital.

He said President Jose Ramos Horta, who was attacked at his home in the Timor Leste capital of Dili early on Monday, was being flown to the northern Australian city of Darwin for medical treatment. His condition was 'very serious but stable', Mr Rudd said.

Mr Rudd said he had spoken twice on Monday with Timor Leste counterpart Xanana Gusmao, whose convoy was fired upon in an attack earlier in the day.

Mr Gusmao had asked for the boost in Australian security forces, Mr Rudd said. The Australian leader also said he had agreed to Mr Gusmao's invitation to visit Timor Leste later this week as a demonstration of confidence in the government.

Mr Rudd said the Australian-led multinational security force in Timor Leste had secured key buildings in Dili, and increased its presence around the city and its environs in response to Monday's attacks.

The security situation in Timor Leste 'is currently assessed as stable, but this could change quickly as events unfold', Mr Rudd said. -- AP