Bailiff sends condolences to Londoners

GUERNSEY stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of London in the fight against terrorism, says Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland. Chief of Police George Le Page emphasised that there was no increased terrorist threat to the Bailiwick after the London atrocity 48 hours ago, but warned islanders to remain vigilant.

The Bailiff sent a letter yesterday to the Lord Mayor of the City of London Michael Savory and Mayor of London Ken Livingstone on behalf of the people of Guernsey conveying the sincere condolences of the Bailiwick following the tragedy, which killed at least 50 people.

'We are both shocked and outraged,' he wrote.

'Whilst not minimising in any way the casualties suffered and the fear and trauma endured by those who are caught up in yesterday's tragic events, we draw great strength from the absence of panic and exemplary calmness, resilience and spirit shown by the people of London in demonstrating their determination to stand up and defend the values which underpin life in the British Isles.'

He conveyed support and gratitude to the police, ambulance services and hospitals for the help they rendered.

'We stand shoulder to shoulder with you in the fight against terrorism.'

The Bailiff has two sons who work in the City and he spoke yesterday about how anxious and on edge he and his wife, Diana, were until they discovered their sons were safe and unharmed.

He stressed the importance of putting the horrific attacks into perspective just a day after the successful Olympic 2012 bid and applauded the British 'Bulldog spirit' that was shown once again after tragedy.

He accepted that Londoners would be traumatised, outraged and shocked for a long time to come.

Expressions of support and solidarity from across the world would be forthcoming, he believed.

Following the September 11 terrorist attacks many people have been wondering when London would be hit.

'People were expecting it because the authorities had warned there was a risk,' said Mr Rowland.

'With the nature of terrorism today, with all the goodwill in the world, there may not be the available intelligence, and so sadly and tragically events seen in other countries have occurred in central London. Other people are better placed than me and I can only express a hope and fervent wish that the war against terror will be won.'

'There are many places in the world that would be free from the terrorist threat, but not many cities and countries that are standing up against terrorism,' he said.

It is always necessary that people are vigilant ' a view he believed would be endorsed by the Chief of Police.

Mr Le Page said it was understandable that people within the Bailiwick had concerns after the tragic events.

As a matter of routine there was an increased police presence at the airport and harbour.

'I can reassure you that this was not a result of any specific information or threat to the Bailiwick,' he stressed yesterday.

People concerned about relatives or friends who may have been affected by the latest terrorist atrocity are urged to call the Metropolitan Police casualty bureau number on 0870 1566 344.

They would also like to hear from people who were injured or involved in the events to let them know they are safe.

Anybody with any information about the attacks, however insignificant they believe it to be, is asked to call the Terrorist Information Hotline on 0800 789 321.

Regularly updated public information is available on 0800 321 000 or on text phone 0800 106 100 for people with hearing difficulties.

At this stage it is not intended to open any public information facility or casualty bureau in Guernsey.

'The Island Police are in regular contact with the police and the security services in the UK and the situation is being closely monitored,' said Mr Le Page.

Mr Rowland encourages islanders who wish to lend support to any charities concerned with the issues of bereavement and trauma arising from the incident to do so.