BRADFORD has held a vigil to show solidarity with France following two terrorist attacks in Paris which claimed innocent lives.

The South Asian People's Forum and the Pakistani Journalists Association the event last night at City Park and a second is planned for this evening.

Organiser Pervez Fateh said the event had been arranged at short notice to show respect for those who lost their lives and to send a message that terrorism would not be tolerated.

"We have to raise our voice against this evilness. We are supporting the independence of ideas and journalism," he said.

Councillor Ralph Berry, Bradford Council's executive member for Children and Young People’s Services, was among those attending and he said: "I travel to France a lot and have friends in France. It is important cities like Bradford show solidarity.

"Whatever differences we have, we should be able to debate them without resorting to violence."

The second vigil, at 6pm in City Park today, is organised by Arshad Ali, who was responsible for a similar vigil in December in recognition of the loss of life in Pakistan when Taliban gunmen ran amok in an army school.