Convener shows solidarity with people of France

Convener of Shetland Islands Council Malcolm Bell has expressed his solidarity with the people of France after the terrorist attacks on Friday evening in which at least 129 are known to have died.

Mr Bell said: “I was shocked to see the news coming in from Paris on Friday evening. Random acts of terror against ordinary people leading ordinary lives are shocking and demonstrate clearly, whether we at home or travelling abroad, the need to be vigilant.

“Our thoughts are with the people of Paris as they come to terms with yet another terrible act.”

The three co-ordinated attacks struck at the heart of Paris life – at a football match, a rock concert and at restaurants. Nearly 100 are critically injured and others are still missing.

Lerwick Town Hall is planning to fly the Shetland flag at half mast today.

Most of the casualties were at the Bataclan Theatre where the rock concert was taking place. France is holding three days of national mourning.

French president Francois Hollande called the massacre an “act of war” by militant Islamic State, and has launched air strikes in retaliation.