Book of condolence opened for Norway

Manchester residents are being urged to sign a book of condolence dedicated to victims of Friday’s terror attack in Norway.

Manchester's Norwegian consulate has opened the book at Manchester Town Hall following the attack, in which nearly 100 people were killed in Oslo and on the nearby island of Utoeya.

Anyone who lives, works or visits Manchester will be able to express their sympathy for the victims by signing the book, available at the town hall's main reception desk until 4pm on Friday July 29 - one week after a bomb blast rocked the Norwegian capital.

Meanwhile, anyone who can't make it into the city centre but wishes to express their sympathy can leave messages by visiting www.manchester.gov.uk/norway.

Councillor Harry Lyons, Lord Mayor of Manchester, said: "The horrific events in Norway have touched us all. The loss of life is on a scale that is barely imaginable, particularly as many of the victims were so young.

"Manchester reaches out in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in Norway. You have our thoughts, our sympathies, and our condolences. These are small words in such awful circumstances but we offer them with all our hearts.

"I would urge all Mancunians to take the opportunity, if they can, to sign the book of condolence or leave messages of sympathy online. We cannot take away the pain of the families affected, but we can lend our support in the hope it offers strength."

Edward Tjørn Bootland, Honorary Norwegian Consul for Manchester, said: "Along with all the consulate and members of the Norwegian community in Greater Manchester, I have been shocked by the tragic events of July 22, and we send our sympathies to the bereaved and the injured.

"The city of Manchester and the citizens of Norway have long enjoyed close social and business ties and I know that Norwegians everywhere are aware of and grateful for the support, sympathy and goodwill shown them by the residents of this city."