Sea Mills: Hundreds attend vigil for dead children

Hundreds of people have gathered at a vigil to remember three children who were killed last Sunday.

Nine-month-old Mohammed Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and Fares Bash, seven, died from knife wounds at a house in Sea Mills, Bristol.

Vigil organiser Jo-Jo Cowley said: "This has been a hard week and it has been upsetting."

A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Those who attended the vigil at Sea Mills Square, close to where the children died, observed a minute's silence at 20:00 GMT and flowers were laid.

Earlier speeches were read out by a friend of the children who said: "We are all very sad about losing our three friends.

"We used to play together and all of a sudden they're not with us any more and it's really sad."

Resident Ahmed Abdelaal said he was "struggling to comprehend the tragic loss of these children".

He added: "As a community, we all stand together to support one another.

"I can't say thank you enough to people in Sea Mills for their huge support during this difficult time."

Mr Cowley, the organiser, said it was "important that people had a place to grieve".

"The turnout has been great," he said. "It's nice that the Sea Mills and Sudanese community have come together."

Earlier, police provided an update into the investigation, and confirmed the children's cause of death.

Ch Insp Vicks Hayward-Melen said: "There has been a huge outpouring of care and kindness following this incident from the community, local schools and faith leaders.

"We remain sincerely thankful to those who've provided a safe space for people to gather and mourn."

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