Minute's silence for victims of attack at Westminster

Minutes silence for victims of attack at Westminster

A minute's silence was held on Thursday (23 March) to remember the victims and their families following the horrific attack at Westminster.

Mayor Ray Dutton led the silence, and was joined by Simon Danczuk MP, Leader of Rochdale Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, police officers from Greater Manchester Police, councillors, council officers, children from Broadfield Primary School and members of the local community.

Councillor Richard Farnell said: “This was a senseless and cowardly act at the heart of our democracy and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who so tragically lost their lives. This terrible attack will only strengthen our resolve to defeat terrorism, hate and evil. We must stand together, regardless of race, nationality or religion, to combat the perpetrators of these sickening and cowardly acts.”

Simon Danczuk said: “We witnessed a horrific terrorist attack on Wednesday (22 March) which struck at Parliament, the heart of our democracy. Rochdale Town Hall flew the flag at half-mast as a mark of respect to the victims of this attack, and I met with Rochdale police officers to thank them for their hard work and diligence.”

Gathering outside Rochdale Town Hall, Shahid Mohammed from the Pakistan Kashmiri Community Association (PKCA), said: “I’m sure I speak for everyone in unreservedly condemning the cowardly attack on innocent lives that were lost, including PC Keith Palmer who lost his life in carrying out his duty to protect people.”

Chairman of the PKCA, Mudassir Yasin, said: “Terrorism has no religion and does not represent any people of any background.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this time. We also pay tribute to the brave police officers and security personnel who risked their lives not caring about their own lives and headed into danger to protect the public; they are the true heroes.”