BRADFORD has held two vigils this weekend 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 organised the first vigil, which took place on Saturday, January 10 in City Park.

Organiser Pervez Fateh said the event had been organised at short notice to show respect for those who had lost their lives.

It was also held to send a message to show that terrorism would not be tolerated.

“We have to raise our voices 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 in attendance at the vigil 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.”