Coventry couple suffer shrapnel injuries in Tunisian attack

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A couple from Coventry are recovering in hospital in Tunisia after they were caught in a terrorist gun attack.

Ross Thompson and Rebecca Smith were in the resort in Sousse when a gunman opened fire, killing at least 39 people.

At least five Britons have been confirmed dead so far but that number is expected to rise.

Neither Ross, aged 22, or Rebecca, were critically injured in the terrifying attack, but both suffered shrapnel injuries.

It’s understood Ross’s foot and arm are in a plaster cast while Rebecca has suffered shrapnel wounds to her entire body.

Both are safe in hospital waiting for a flight home.

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Coventry holidaymakers speak of their horrifying ordeal

A couple from Coventry have described the terrifying moment they were caught up in the terrorist gun massacre in Tunisia.

Ross Thompson and Rebecca Smith had only arrived at the resort in Sousse a few hours before a gunman opened fire, killing at least 39 people.

A total of 15 Britons have been confirmed dead so far but that number could still rise as more victims are identified.

Ross, aged 21, or Rebecca, 22, both suffered shrapnel injuries and are now recovering in hospital.

Ross’s foot and arm are in a plaster cast while Rebecca has suffered shrapnel wounds to her entire body.

Ross, from Wyken, said: “There was a lot of gun fire and you just ran for your life basically.

“We were put in to a corridor which was a dead end with a 30ft drop, so it was try and hide and get away with it like we did, or get shot.

“We managed to hide, get the room barricaded, get down low and hide.”

Rebecca said that she got separated from Ross and hid in the staff toilets with another woman and her son.

Ross, who works as a fire hydrant tester, only managed to call his mum to let her know they were okay when he borrowed a reporter’s phone.

His mum Mandy earlier told the Telegraph that the pair were now recovering in the same hospital waiting for a flight home.

“They only arrived the night before,” she said. “This was their first day.

“He has a hole through his toe and also his arm is in a cast.

“Ross’s girlfriend has had to be stitched up because she had no many shrapnel injuries.

“They’re currently in hospital just waiting to get home. The problem we have got is their passports and personal possessions are in the hotel.

“Everything can be replaced though. If they come home it doesn’t matter if their cases do or don’t follow them.

“Ross said to me that they wanted him to go to the hotel and collect their belongings.

“He said ‘I just can’t do it mum - there’s dead bodies and blood on the floor’. It’s traumatised him.”

Among those killed were Sue Davey and Scott Chalkley, who were both 42 and from Tamworth.

The couple, who both worked for Severn Trent Water which has its headquarters in Coventry, were enjoying their dream holiday after recently buying a house together.

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Coventry couple back home for medical treatment after Tunisia terror attack



A young couple from Coventry who survived the Tunisia terror attack have finally returned home and are now receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

Ross Thompson, 21, and Rebecca Smith, 22, had only arrived at the resort in Sousse on Friday, a few hours before ISIS gunman Seifeddine Rezgui opened fire.

Both suffered shrapnel injuries during the attack.

Ross’s foot and arm are in a plaster cast, and is having an operation today, while Rebecca has suffered wounds to her face and body.

Ross’s mum Mandy spoke to the Telegraph about her relief at having her son and his girlfriend return home safely.

The Wyken resident said: “They got back into Manchester at about two-ish on Sunday. Some family and friends held them a welcome home party.”

She added: “We took them to A&E yesterday as was recommended. Ross is back in hospital for an operation today.

“Rebecca will see a plastic surgeon about the injuries to her face tomorrow.”

When asked how Ross and Rebecca were feeling after the ordeal, Mandy said: “I don’t think it’s hit them yet. They’ve not had time to stop and think really.

“Being alone in hospital last night might have bought back a few memories for Ross.”

Mandy told the Telegraph how she is still in shock over the incident. She said: “I still can’t believe it. I’m just glad that they're home.”

Mandy will now be nursing the pair back to health along with her husband who broke his knee and leg in an accident a few weeks ago.

Mandy joked: “Now I’ve got the three of them here. I’m the only one driving so I’ll be taking them to hospital appointments and making them cups of tea.

“I was going to go back to work to have a rest but I’ve booked some time off to look after them all.”