Book of Condolence for girls opens in Derry

A Book of Condolence in memory of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman was opened in Derry today following pressure from the local community.

Mayor Kathleen McCloskey was first to sign the book when she opened it at the Guildhall. It will remain open until Friday night.

Mrs McCloskey said: "I have received many requests from members of the public to provide a Book of Condolence in the city where they can express their sympathy to the families of these two children on this very sad occasion."

She said she had delayed taking a decision to open the book until police in Cambridgeshire confirmed they were as certain as possible the bodies discovered near Lakenheath airbase were those of the two missing schoolgirls.