Manhattan massacre: Sussex sympathises

They said they were shocked and saddened by the worst terrorist attack in American history, which have been a disaster for world peace.

Brighton Kemp Town MP Des Turner watched the scenes of carnage unfold on a television from the South of France, where he is on holiday with his family.

He said: "You don't need to understand the language to get a feeling for the scale of this tragedy.

"It's just mind-boggling. I'm absolutely stunned. We don't know at this stage what the human cost of this act of terrorism is going to be.

"It's not been a good day for world peace. It's carnage on a scale I have never seen before except possibly during the war.

"It's a senseless loss of life and it seems such a pointless thing to do."

Lewes MP Norman Baker said: "I was on the phone to a colleague in London when I was told what had happened. It's obviously a very serious incident and a personal tragedy for people who are personally involved.

"The whole world must unite to defeat this terrorism. Whatever one thinks of America's foreign policy, these acts must be universally condemned. It proves that even with the best missile shield in the world, you can still be vulnerable to attack."

Imam Abdulaalil Salid, leader of the Muslims in Sussex, said: "This is unbelievably shocking. We condemn all acts of violence and terrorism.

"We want to express our sympathy and condolences, for to us the sanctity of life is paramount. This will be condemned worldwide."

The Right Reverend John Hind, Bishop of Chichester and leader of the Church of England in Sussex, said: "This was a terrible act. Our prayers are with the victims, their families and the American people at this time."

Francis Clark-Lows, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign, condemned the attack.

He said: "Personally, I share the same shock as everyone who first heard about this but I suppose I'm not totally surprised. When there is such a global imbalance in power between the First and Third worlds, an action of this sort is not totally improbable.

"The result for Palestinian people in Britain is that life here could become very uncomfortable until someone claims responsibility. I think it's very unlikely that it will be a Palestinian group, it seems that's where the blame is always directed first. With Oklahoma, everybody assumed it was Middle East, then it turned out to be home-grown Timothy McVeigh."

Leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, Archbishop of Westminster and former Bishop of Brighton and Arundel, said: "These tragic events in New York and Washington have shocked us all. My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the dead and injured."

Crawley MP Laura Moffatt, who has Gatwick airport in her constituency, said people were in a state of shock.

She said: "Everyone is absolutely horrified and obviously the fact that we are so close to Gatwick has unnerved a lot of people.

"This is not just a US tragedy, it is a global one and the potential repercussions of this have yet to be seen.

"It is vital that we do not panic. We need to keep calm, cautious and careful and work towards trying to deal with this.

"I am sure that everyone at the airport is doing everything they can to ensure it remains as safe as possible."

Brighton and Hove City Council leader Ken Bodfish said his sympathy went out to relatives of the dead and to the wounded.

He said: "I am particularly concerned about any American who may be over here and who has relatives who may have been affected."

Council Tory opposition leader Brian Oxley, just back from a break in America, said he was shocked and outraged by the attacks.

David Gold, speaking on behalf of Brighton Pavilion Conservatives, said: "I wish to offer our deepest sympathies to President Bush and the people of America at this horrific time.

"Even as we watch the television pictures live, we can only imagine the carnage which these terrorist incidents have caused.

"I hope and trust that the United Kingdom will offer every assistance in finding the evil people responsible for these attacks."

Father Kevin Dring, spokesman for the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, Kieran Conry, said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of America who are going through such extreme trauma.

"We can only hope and pray for the healing and understanding that are going to be needed over the next few weeks.

"The Bishop and the rest of the Diocese will be sending out a strong message of condolence to the people of America."

Daphne Bagshaw, deputy leader of East Sussex County Council, said that she was "shocked and deeply disturbed".

She said: "We are full of shock, sorrow, regret and outrage about what has happened.

"All we can do is pray for the people over there.

"It is now clear that all the democratic nations in the world must get together to tackle terrorist activities like this."

Worthing Borough Council leader Bryan Lynn said: "It is a terrible thing to happen and our thoughts are with the people in America.

"We are in a state of shock at the moment as we try to come to terms with this but the next immediate question is where these terrorists may strike next."

Mayor of Eastbourne David Stevens sent a message of condolence to the US ambassador in London, His Excellency the Honourable William Farish.

He said: "On behalf of the people of Eastbourne I wish to express shock, outrage and disbelief at the horrifying events in New York and Washington DC and utter sadness at the murder of so many innocents. No cause or fanatical belief can justify acts of such savagery.

"The people of Eastbourne extend their fervent prayers to all those who are suffering, the victims and their families."

Former Hove Liberal Democrat councillor Bob Bailey had lunch at the world famous restaurant on the top floor of the World Trade Centre buildings last October.

He said: "It was a beautiful place. There are huge glass windows all around giving a wonderful view of Manhattan.

"It was a wonderful sunny Sunday afternoon and the place was heaving with people.

"My partner and I had wonderful service from the restaurant staff and the thought of what might have happened to them and all those other people is awful.

"Looking at the news today and seeing the building destroyed is absolutely horrifying. I can't begin to imagine what all those people have gone through."

A memorial service for the victims was being held at St Michael's Church in Church Lane, Southwick, last night.

Curate the Reverend Andy Perry said: "We watched the events unfold with mounting horror and the best thing we can do from this distance is to remember those who died and pray for them and their families."

Flags at Eastbourne Borough Council buildings were today to fly at half mast as a mark of respect to the dead.

A book of condolence is also available in Eastbourne Town Hall, which was to be signed this morning by mayor David Stevens and Conservative deputy council leader Bob Lacey.

Performances at Eastbourne Theatres will be marked by a minute's silence.

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