Cumbria gun victims remembered in services a week on

The names of the 12 victims of gunman Derrick Bird were read out at memorial services in west Cumbria.

Thousands of people attended nine gatherings at 1145 BST for people to pay their respects to those killed by Bird, who later shot himself.

Prayers were said for the victims, who included a 23-year-old estate agent, a couple in their 60s and Bird's twin brother. Another 11 were wounded.

The services were followed by a minute's silence.
The locations were the towns and villages where the killings took place as well as the West Cumberland Hospital, where many of the wounded were treated.

The service in Whitehaven, which was attended by about 4,000 people, was opened by George Clements, Copeland Council's deputy leader, who said communities had come together in the wake of the tragedy.

He also praised the work of the emergency services.

In an address which was also made at the other services, he said: "The world is watching west Cumbria. We must ensure that we are not defined by the shootings, but by our response to them.
'Great loss'

"It is right to thank our emergency services who worked so hard in circumstances for which no amount of training or experience could have prepared them.

"We must also extend our thanks to others who came forward to offer their help in dealing with the tragic events and to all those who have sent messages of support and condolences.

"But above all else, we must remember our community, and show that we are there to support our friends and neighbours over the coming days, weeks and months.

"I have been a proud member of this community for long enough to know that I can rely on each and every one have you to do just that.

"Throughout Copeland, people are gathering at services like this to express their support for those who lost their lives or were injured.

"People throughout our region have suffered great loss, but none more than the families of those that were killed."

Prayers in Workington were led by the Reverend John Bannister, the Rector of St James Church in Whitehaven.
Cabbies at the taxi rank in Whitehaven, where Bird killed fellow taxi driver Darren Rewcastle died, sounded their horns in unison following the service.

Passing hill walkers joined members of the tiny community of Boot to remember Bird's victims just a few hundred yards from where he took his own life.

Local vicar the Rev Ann Baker said: "Sadly, Derrick Bird's journey ended here and people were shot here.

"One of the most prominent members of our community is still receiving treatment from gunshot wounds.

"But I think it's important that we remember that lives can be rebuilt and throughout the whole of this area we will be joining together to help people come to terms with last week's tragedies."
In Seascale, the service remembered 64-year-old Michael Pike, who was shot dead while cycling, Jane Robinson, who lived in the village with her elderly twin Barrie and was killed while delivering catalogues, and 23-year-old estate agent Jamie Clarke.

Other services were held in Boot, where the killer's body was found, Cleator Moor, where his son Graeme, 28, lives and Millom.

Funerals for Bird's other victims are due to be held next week.

Several memorial events have already been held across the county, including weekend services attended by about 1,500 people in Whitehaven and Seascale.

Police have removed papers and a computer from Bird's home in Rowrah as they try to establish the motive for the shootings. They believe he deliberately targeted some of his victims and indiscriminately shot at others during his 45-mile rampage.
 

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