Brussels attacks: Hundreds pay tribute to victims with candlelit vigil in Trafalgar Square

People place candles next to a giant Belgian flag setup for a vigil in Trafalgar Square
AP Photo/Matt Dunham
Hatty Collier25 March 2016

Hundreds of people gathered in Trafalgar Square on Thursday night to honour those killed and wounded in the Brussels terror attacks.

Mourners sheltered from the rain beneath umbrellas as flowers and tributes were laid at the foot of a giant 25-metre silk Belgian flag rolled out on the central steps in the square.

London was paying tribute to the victims as Home Secretary Theresa May attended an emergency meeting with her counterparts from the European Union to discuss ways to fight terrorism.

Arriving at the meeting in Brussels, Mrs May described the killings as "cold-blooded and sickening attacks".

Candles laid at a vigil for the victims of the Brussels attacks in Trafalgar Square (EPA/Will Oliver)
EPA/WILL OLIVER

She said: "Obviously investigations are still ongoing, but we know that those responsible - Daesh - seek to divide us and harm our way of life and the UK stands ready to support Belgium in any way it can to unite, to defeat these terrorists.

"We will give Belgium the support it needs but our message is clear: The terrorists will not win."

Tonight’s vigil, held between 6pm and 10pm, was organised by the Belgian Embassy and City Hall.

Thirty-two candles were lit to honour those killed in the bomb attacks at the Zaventem Airport and Maalbeek metro station in the capital city on Tuesday.

Belgian ambassador to the UK, Guy Trouveroy, said he had mixed emotions at the vigil, because despite the tragic events people had come together.

He said: "On the one hand we are sad, we hurt. This is a terrible tragedy that happened to us but at the same time we have a feeling of conference.

"We have some time to think about those who passed away, which is why we brought 32 candles representing the 32 people who have so far lost their lives."

London Mayor, Boris Johnson, said: “The scenes in Belgium were truly appalling and it is important we pay tribute to the victims, as well as show our solidarity with the people of Brussels.

“They have the sympathy of every Londoner and our thoughts will be with them as they do their best to recover from this despicable atrocity.”

Landmarks light up in honour of Brussels victims

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On Wednesday night, the colours of the Belgian flag – black, yellow and red - were beamed on to Tower Bridge and other landmarks including the London Eye, National Gallery and Wembley Stadium as a sign of respect.

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