Tricolour flag is flown at town hall in Paris tribute

[dutchman]

Books of condolence have been created in the wake of the shocking terrorist attacks in France.



Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council has put the special books in the receptions of both the town hall in Nuneaton and the Civic Hall in Bedworth for anyone affected to express their views and feelings about the horrific events which unfolded in Paris on Friday night.

The local authority has also had its Union Flag at half mast and erected a tricolour French flag too as a mark of respect, indicating the solidarity the borough feels for the country which has had long connections with the country through its Roanne twinning scheme.

Yesterday saw a minute's silence held at 11am at a host of locations including at businesses, school and charities in the area. The event was also supported by police and other emergency services.

As the dust settles on the night of terror which claimed the lives of 129 and injured some 352 others, everyone from politicians to religious leaders have spoken out.

Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones said: "Truly terrible news from Paris. Pure evil to attack innocent people. Our thoughts are with the people of France.

"We must never let evil win."

His Bedworth and North Warwickshire counterpart, Craig Tracey, said: "What is really chilling about this particular attack is that it was carried out in places where people were hanging out and having fun. It is real concentrated attack on democracy."

The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attacks, which took place in bars, restaurants, the French football stadium and a concert venue in the city. The atrocity occurred ahead of an event to mark Coventry Blitz.

In response to the shooting and bombings, the chairman of the Coventry Muslim Forum accepted an invitation from the Bishop of Coventry to speak at the service held to commemorate its 75th anniversary.

Dr Abdullah Shehu spoke at Coventry Cathedral to a large congregation which included the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Members of Parliament, members of the city council, representatives of Warwickshire and the West Midlands, other city dignitaries and international guests.

After introducing the Coventry Litany of Reconciliation, a prayer used all over the world, which would be led by German representatives, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, said: "Our hearts and minds at this time cannot help but go to the people of Paris."

Paying tribute to Dr Shehu, Bishop Christopher added: "Dr Shehu wrote to me to express, on behalf of the whole Muslim community in Coventry, his outrage at the events that have happened in Paris.

"I want to say to you, Dr Shehu, that we stand in solidarity with you as your religion is defamed by corrupt people who misuse it so wrongly. We know that they do not serve the God of mercy and compassion whom you worship."

Addressing the congregation with an Islamic greeting of peace and blessing, Dr Shehu said: "This is the greeting that we propagate in Islam, to pray for peace for everyone. Islam is the religion that talks about peace and mercy in every section of the Koran.

"In Islam we call Christians 'helpers'. Anything other than that is aimed to disunite us, and we should be stronger than that.

"I hope the events around the world, particularly in the Muslim world and also in Paris, will do nothing but to unite those who are good and who are fighting against evil. Through justice for all, peace will prevail in the world.

"I hope peace will reign, as it did in Coventry after the Blitz 75 years ago. Coventry is leading people back to peace and reconciliation. We need to make the world peaceful for our younger generation."