10 Jun 2010

Memorial services held for those slain in Cumbria

6:08 am on 10 June 2010

Memorial services have been held across the county of Cumbria in England where a taxi-driver shot dead 12 people a week ago, before killing himself.

The BBC reports thousands of people attended nine gatherings at 11.45am (BST) on Wednesday for people to pay their respects to those killed by Derrick Bird, 52, who later shot himself after a 45-mile rampage.

Prayers were said for the victims, who included an estate agent, a couple in their 60s and Bird's twin brother. Another 11 were wounded.

Locations of the gatherings were the towns and villages where the killings took place, as well as the West Cumberland hospital where many of the wounded were treated.

The services were followed by a minute's silence at noon, which was also observed in the lower house of parliament.