The French flag was raised to half-mast at Liverpool Town Hall and a minute’s silence was held today to honour the victims of the Paris terrorism attacks on Friday.
Liverpool was one of many cities throughout Europe to hold a service to show respect for the 130 people who were killed in the multiple coordinated attacks. Up to 100 people gathered outside St George’s Hall at 11am to bow their heads in tribute.
Philip Daniel, French Honorary Consulate in Liverpool, described to JMU Journalism his emotions about the atrocities. He said: “It was overwhelming. I can’t begin to try to experience what the people in Paris must have been feeling.
“I represent France in Liverpool and I can only begin to try to say how sorry I feel for the victims’ families.”
A book of condolence also opened this morning at the Town Hall, for people to show their sympathy by writing messages of support.
Lord Mayor, Councillor Tony Concepcion, wrote: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims killed in this horrific terrorist attack. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the French people and the City of Paris at this difficult time.”
He told JMU Journalism: “I know it is a really sad day but I think it is right that we give the people of Liverpool the opportunity to come together to remember the terrible attack in Paris on Friday.
“I will be going to St George’s Hall and showing my respects with the rest of the world.”
Former University of Liverpool Arts student, Nick Alexander, is the only Briton so far named as one of those killed, having died at the Bataclan theatre shooting. The 36-year-old, who came to study in the city in the late-1990s, was selling merchandise at the concert where gunmen opened fire on the crowd.
Tributes are also being paid to an unnamed Everton fan, who ran the Twitter account of Blues supporters in France, the French Toffees. The admin officer was one of the many killed whilst innocently watching the Eagles of Death Metal show at Bataclan concert hall.
The book of condolence at the Town Hall will be available for people to sign between 9am and 5pm every weekday.
On Saturday, members of Liverpool’s French community gathered at Lime Street Station for a memorial vigil, while St George’s Hall was lit up in the blue, white and red colours of the French flag.