Silence to be held for bombing victims

A TWO-MINUTE silence is to be held in Ireland as a mark of sympathy for the victims of the London bomb attacks.

The Government appealed for everyone to observe the silence at noon on Thursday, July 14 a week after the explosions caused havoc across the city.

The gesture of sympathy came as it was confirmed at least 52 people died in last Thursday's attacks on the No 30 bus and three Tube trains.

The final death toll is expected to be higher, with police believed to have assigned family liaison officers to 74 families.

Ministers called for the silence across the state as a mark of solidarity with the people of London.

The silence will also be observed by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and ministers as they meet with the social partners in Dublin Castle for discussions on Thursday.

In Britain, steady streams of commuters continued to pay their respects to the victims of the London terrorist bombings.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair signed a book of condolence for the victims of the bombings at London's City Hall.

He wrote: "With deep condolences for all those who lost their lives and for their families who mourn and with heart-felt admiration for London, the greatest capital city in the world."

Meanwhile workers, tourists and well-wishers took time out from their journeys to visit the small corner outside Kings Cross station devoted to floral tributes for those missing and killed in the blasts.

Bouquets are now around eight deep along the sides of the sanctuary and, in addition to the many hundreds of bunches of flowers, candles, cuddly toys and poignant messages have also been left. Tributes are also being laid near the site of the Tavistock Square bus blasts, where forensic investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, a family liaison officer helping relatives and friends of people missing since the London bombings yesterday paid tribute to the "dignified calm" with which they had conducted their searches.

Detective Sergeant Gary Fuller is working at the Family Assistance Centre set up near Victoria in the wake of the attacks.

A range of agencies are stationed at the facility ready to provide every kind of assistance from food and clothing to transport and accommodation as well as financial and legal advice.

DS Fuller, who has worked as a police officer for more than 20 years, said: "In my experience, so far, they have been dignified and calm. Perhaps they are exhausted from the emotion and tragedy of the whole situation and are relieved to have found us.

"They are no longer wandering round London seeking reassurance, they can go home and wait for local family liaison officers to make contact with them.

"It's almost as if they have done as much as they possibly can, then they come to us and have been able to go back home and re-group as a family."

DS Fuller said it was rewarding work being able to provide real assistance to people in times of need.

"It's a very good feeling albeit that I do not think you would properly be a family liaison officer if it didn't take a little edge, a little chink out of you every time you did it."