Lisburn sends sympathy to Nice

A total of 84 people, including several children were killed in the incident when a lorry was driven into crowds watching a Bastille Day firework display.

The Deputy Mayor, Alderman Stephen Martin, was the first person to sign the Book of Condolence at Lagan Valley Island.

The Deputy Mayor said: “The reports of this dreadful attack which began to come through the press late on Thursday night portray a scene of utter devastation, panic, horror and loss of life.

“We offer our prayers and send our support to the authorities; the doctors and nurses in hospitals dealing with the injured; those working with people affected by this shocking act and the French police who will be dealing with bereaved families.

“This brutal act attacked men, women and children in an indiscriminate and heartless manner and is to be utterly condemned.

“Our deepest sympathies are with the people of France and with the families who are grieving.”

Vice-Chairman of the Corporate Services Committee, Councillor Ben Mallon, also signed the Books of Condolence.

He said: “Over the past few months we have opened Books of Condolence for the (2015) Paris attacks and the Orlando attack.

“We find ourselves again expressing our sympathies with another group of people who will be forever affected by the horror that on this occasion has been carried out on the streets of Nice.

“In the face of such brutality, with the resulting appalling loss of life, we send our thoughts and prayers to the victims, their families, Nice and to the people of France,” he concluded.

The Books of Condolence will be sent to the French Honorary Consulate to show sympathy and support with other organisations and local authorities across the world.

The Books of Condolence opened at 12 noon today at the Council’s Headquarters, Lagan Valley Island, in Lisburn. Books of Condolence are also at Bradford Court Offices Castlereagh; at the Lagan Valley LeisurePlex; the Dundonald International Ice Bowl and at the Irish Linen Centre.