Books are opened in memory of victims

Books are opened in memory of victims

24 May 2017

BOOKS of condolence have been opened in Downpatrick in memory of those who lost their lives in the Manchester terrorist attack.

The books were opened by Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairwoman Gillian Fitzpatrick in the Downshire Centre and Down Arts Centre yesterday morning where Mrs Fitzpatrick spoke of her horror at hearing children were among the 22 people who had died.

She said she was particularly horrified, as a mother of four children, to hear young people had been affected.

“All our thoughts and prayers go out to the parents who have lost a beautiful, innocent, young child and to the parents waiting to hear of the safety of their loved ones,” she said.

“I join everyone across the district in paying tribute to the bravery of the emergency 

services and to the citizens of Manchester who rallied all through the night to support victims and the emergency services in dealing with the aftermath. 

“This is a shocking and horrific attack targeting children and young people who were simply enjoying what young people should.  

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected in this mindless attack.”

The book of condolence will be available for signing for two weeks.