Britain thanks Ireland for Soham response

The British Embassy in Dublin has expressed thanks to the Irish people for all the messages of condolence it received following the deaths of 10-year-old schoolgirls Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells.

In a statement released this afternoon, Charge d’Affaires John Rankin said the embassy received hundreds of cards and bouquets of flowers from Irish people sympathising with the girls’ families.

"A tragedy like this knows no borders and we have been hugely touched by the response of the Irish people," he said.

"We shall ensure that all the messages received are passed to the families and community in Soham."