Bristol groups hold vigil for terror victims

Scores of people gathered outside Bristol Cathedral for a vigil to remember those killed in recent terrorist attacks.

While strong winds on College Green made it difficult to light candles, people gathered to remember the victims of Paris, Beirut, Turkey and Egypt.

The event was staged by the Council of Bristol Mosques, Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) and other groups.

Alex Raikes, of SARI, said: "We cannot let terrorism win."

She added: "We do not want terrorism to breed more hatred, what we have to do is unite together."

She said a mixture of faiths, community groups and individuals had turned up: "It's just fantastic to see all the different people who have come out to speak in solidarity this evening."

France held a minute of silence on Monday at midday local time (11:00 GMT) for the victims. A series of attacks in a concert hall, a stadium, restaurants and bars across Paris on Friday at least 129 dead and 350 wounded.

Manzur Huzane, from the Council of Bristol Mosques, said: "We feel their pain and we know the nation of France are going through a traumatic period.

"We feel that what's happened does not represent Islam in any way, for Islam's message has been hijacked by a few.

"We want to show solidarity with the bereaved families and with the nation of France and to show that in times of pain - and pain transcends all religions and faiths and non-faiths."