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Devon and Cornwall vigils take place for victims of Ukraine invasion

BBC Exeter vigilBBC
A vigil in Bedford Square, Exeter, was among several events held in solidarity with victims of the Ukraine invasion

Vigils and services for victims of the Ukraine invasion have been held in Devon and Cornwall.

Leader of Exeter City Council Phil Bialyk held a vigil of "solidarity" which filled Bedford Square in Princesshay.

"We hope that it will reach all people who wish for peace," said Mr Bialyk, who has family in Ukraine.

Services took place in Mylor, Cornwall, and at Plymouth Cathedral and a vigil took place outside Truro Cathedral.

Phil Bialyk
Phil Bialyk, leader of Exeter City Council, addresses the vigil in Bedford Square

Mr Bialyk said: "We have been in constant contact with our family in Ukraine, and all are safe for the moment.

"Many of us have families in Ukraine, and we are concerned about what is happening."

Plymouth vigil for Ukraine
A service was held at Plymouth Cathedral by Bishop of Plymouth, the Right Reverend Mark O'Toole

Speaking after the service at the cathedral, the Bishop of Plymouth said that there had been "terrible scenes" in Ukraine.

"This country has a very rich tradition of welcoming war refugees," the Right Reverend Mark O'Toole said.

"This is a different moment to any other form of people seeking to come to our country as migrants."

Truro vigil
A vigil was held outside Truro Cathedral

Dasha Smith, who has family members in Ukraine, attended the outdoor service at Mylor.

"I just wanted to give justice to those who are experiencing immense fear," she said.

"One day they are just sleeping in their apartment blocks and the next day they are being bombed.

"They are just ordinary people paying their rent, going to their jobs and now they are in crisis."

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