Church leaders call for prayers following bomb attacks

Church leaders across Northern Ireland have called on local people to pray for the victims of Thursday’s terrorist attacks in London.

Church of Ireland Primate, Archbishop Robin Eames and Catholic Primate Dr Sean Brady expressed their sorrow at the attacks which have left at least 37 people dead and up to 700 others injured.

Archbishop Eames said: “We express our support and solidarity for those affected and, indeed, for all people living in London at this time, but especially for the injured, traumatised and bereaved and for those providing emergency services."

Archbishop Brady added: "On behalf of my brother bishops and myself I offer my condolences and prayers to all those affected.”

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain, meanwhile, said that people across Ireland, north and south, were “absolutely horrified” at what has happened.

“Our condolences and our sympathies go out to the families of the relatives who were badly hit by this sickening and barbaric attack. This series of attacks have provoked revulsion right throughout the world,” he said.

DUP leader Ian Paisley said it was important that people did not give in to terrorism.

"We in Northern Ireland have passed this way many times. We have walked down this dark road, the bloody road of separation, and we can sympathise," he told MPs in the Commons.

UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey said the people of Northern Ireland stood shoulder to shoulder with Londoners.

“Those who have so viciously attacked our nation will, we trust, learn that the British people will not be intimidated by terror,” he said.

Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said he had sent a message of sympathy and solidarity to the Prime Minister Tony Blair and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

“On behalf of Sinn Féin I offer my sincere condolences to the victims and

the families of those killed and injured and to the people of London,” he said.

SDLP Leader Mark Durkan expressed his “deep shock” at the attacks.

"This is a terrible series of attacks that will instil deep fear among the entire London community - and profound grief among the families of those of who have been fatally injured. Our thoughts and prayers are primarily with those families and with those who have been injured today,” he said.

Meanwhile, airlines operating in Northern Ireland said it was allowing people travelling to and from London to change their bookings.

Easyjet and BMI said passengers could change free of charge up until midnight on Friday.

People travelling with Flybe have been advised to contact its call centre for further advice.

(MB/KMcA)