Warrington victims honoured 10 years after bomb

THE town of Warrington fell silent yesterday to mark the 10th anniversary of its bombing

Two boys died and 56 people were injured when two bombs exploded inside litter bins shortly after midday on Saturday, March 20, 1993.

No warning was given and nobody has ever been prosecuted for the outrage, which took place the day before Mothering Sunday.

A service took place yesterday at the Holy Trinity Church with the theme of remembrance, thanksgiving and commitment. It was attended by the parents of Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball, the 12 and three-year-old boys killed in the blasts.

Other victims of the bombs attended, as well as community groups and church leaders including Warrington-born Terry Waite, the former envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Following the service, guests joined members of the public at Market Gate for a moment of silence at 12.25pm and the laying of floral tributes.

A private ceremony, involving the pouring of water over a newly-planted tree, took place at the Tim Parry-Johnathan Ball Peace Centre.

Speaking before the service, Tim Parry’s father Colin said he does not want the perpetrators to be caught but hopes they are haunted by guilt.

He said: “Whoever planted those bombs took away the lives of two young boys who were innocent and had every right to live.

“I have no particular interest in seeing the people responsible caught because the weight of what they did should be punishing them enough.

“What matters to me is whoever did this must have seen Tim’s picture. They must know what he looks like, where he came from, what his family look like. I hope Tim’s image haunts them for the rest of their lives.”

Johnathan Ball’s father, Wilf, said: “I like to talk about him but it still hurts me so much. I look great on the outside but inside I am shattered. I will never forgive the people who did this.”