THE community came together today, Wednesday, to remember the tragic events of the Bridge Street bombing which killed two boys and changed countless lives 26 years ago.

A service was held by the River of Life memorial in Bridge Street, where residents laid daffodils to remember Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry, who died aged three and 12, along with those who were injured, including Bronwen Vickers who lost her leg in the attack.

Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Karen Mundry, placed a daffodil wreath by the memorial before she addressed the crowd which had gathered to pay its respects.

She shook her head in disbelief as she said: "Warrington will never forget that dark day 26 years ago.

"It had a huge impact on everyone in the borough and beyond.

"Out of the terrible tragedy came the commitment from everyone, Warrington Borough Council, family and friends, to work together towards peace."

Among those who attended the service was Dave Chadwick, who was one of the first paramedics to arrive at the scene on March 20, 1993.

He described how the tragedy has never left him

He said: "I was the first paramedic to arrive in three minutes.

Warrington Guardian:

Dave Chadwick

"We were on our own for a further 17 minutes and there was a lot to do in that time."

When the call came in about Bridge Street, Dave said he instantly knew that this time it was not a hoax.

He recalled: "As we approached there were people running past with blood on their faces.

"But when we got to Bridge Street there was an eerie silence.

"I treated both Johnathan and Tim initially, and Bronwen.

Warrington Guardian:

The service on Wednesday

"It's still as vivid as if it was yesterday.

"If I close my eyes I can point out where everything was, it's that vivid a memory."

Terry O'Hara, who manages the Survivors Assistance Network at the Peace Foundation said the practical and emotional support services offered for people affected by terrorism are needed now more than ever.

The network recently had 922 referrals after the Westminster attack in 2017 and is still working to spread awareness about survivors of terrorist-related incidents.