Alliance Leader Naomi Long MLA has paid tribute to the victims of the Shankill bomb on the 25 anniversary of the massacre.
Nine people, including two children aged seven and 13, were killed in the no warning blast in Frizzell’s fish shop on October 23, 1993. Some 57 other people were injured. One of the bombers also died.
Mrs Long was speaking ahead of attending a commemoration event at West Kirk Presbyterian Church on the Shankill Road today (Tuesday). The service will include readings by members of bereaved families.
“This was one of the most horrific atrocities in a period filled with terrible acts of violence,” said Mrs Long.
“My thoughts today are with the families and loved ones of the victims who died that day and with those injured in the attack, who still bear the scars.
“In contrast to those who planned and planted the bomb, the courage and compassion of the emergency services who responded to the devastation that day, and the strength and support of the wider community offered hope in the middle of the turmoil and terror.
“The Shankill bomb sparked one of the bloodiest months of the Troubles, with a series of tit-for-tat attacks and killings following in its wake. I think too of those survivors and bereaved families caught up in the aftermath of what happened on the Shankill and for whom this anniversary and the next few weeks will be incredibly difficult.
“As we remember the loss of life and pay our respects to the victims and survivors of the bombing, 25 years on we must also reflect on what our contribution will be to ensure such violence never revisits our streets and also the hatred and division on which it thrived are addressed in our community today.”