Unknown victims' tomb scheme for World Trade Centre site

A tomb of unknown victims could become the focus of a permanent memorial at the World Trade Centre.

It would hold the unidentified remains of people killed on September 11.

The idea is reported to be gaining favour with victims' relatives.

Michael Cartier, whose brother James died in the attacks, told the New York Times: "Creating this unmarked grave will bring reverence and sanctity to the memorial. It would be the heart of the memorial."

Monica Iken, whose husband was also killed in the attacks and hasn't been found, added: "Those not identified should be respected and have something separate to identify them.

"I don't have anything. I'm in the same predicament a lot of families are in."

She is also founder of September's Mission, a group for victims' families.

Christy Ferer, Mayor Michael Bloomberg's liaison with the families, said many proposals are being considered for the memorial. City officials said it will be years before it is constructed.

Her husband was also killed in the attacks. She added: "The basic concept, which everyone agrees to, is that those remains will be part of some memorial."