Memorial services remember victims of Cumbria gunman

Memorial services were held across Cumbria on Wednesday in memory of 12 people shot dead by taxi driver Derrick Bird.

Thousands of people turned out for the services one week after the 52-year-old’s three hour killing spree through rural country lanes and villages in the Western Lakes area.

Over the weekend, several churches held prayer vigils and outdoor services to remember Bird’s victims, who were killed at random last Wednesday morning before he turned the gun on himself.

Victims included Bird’s twin brother, David, semi-professional rugby player and farmer Garry Purdham, and a couple in their sixties, while 11 people sustained injuries.

Services took place in the towns and villages where the killings took place. In Egremont, a service took place at the village war memorial to remember Susan Hughes, 57, and Kenneth Fishburn, 71.

In Seascale, a service was held to remember 23-year-old estate agent Jamie Clarke, church helper Jane Robinson, and Michael Pike, who was shot dead while riding his bike near the waterfront.

Services were also held in Gosforth, where Purdham was killed, Boot, close to where Bird’s body was found, and Cleator Moor, home to his son.

Around 1,500 people turned out over the weekend to take part in memorial services and prayer vigils for the victims.

A minute’s silence was observed after Wednesday's services.

Cumbrian church leaders said in a statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been caught up in the terrible events, but particularly they are with the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured. The community grieves deeply at the losses we have suffered; the confusion and pain will be long-lasting."

The statement was signed by the Anglican Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, President of the United Reformed Church Cumbria Area, the Rev Rachel Poolman, Chair of the Cumbria Methodist District the Rev Richard Teal, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster the Rt Rev Michael Campbell, and the Cumbria Baptist Network Minister, the Rev John Goddard.

They said their churches in the area were offering support to people affected by the shooting, including people working in the hospitals and emergency services.

"The church will continue to play a longer term role in providing support and sanctuary to those who need it, and we strongly encourage all churches in the area to make their buildings and people available for people to come and pray, light candles and have someone to talk to," they said.

"The communities of West Cumbria are close-knit and hugely supportive, and we know that people throughout the area will be caring deeply for each other both now and in the months to come.

"Christians in Cumbria and further afield are praying for everyone who has been affected, and are doing everything they can to offer comfort and practical help at a local level."

The church leaders have issued a prayer for communities affected by the shooting:

O God, Creator of us all,
in your Son, Jesus you have walked the way of darkness and death,
you send your Spirit of healing and truth to all in need

We pray for those injured or bereaved by inexplicable violence
May your gracious compassion surround and uphold them

We pray for all individuals and communities whose lives have been changed by this tragedy
May your sustaining love be present in all expressions of support offered and help received

We give thanks for the commitment and dedication of the emergency services
And pray that they may be given the strength they need to serve others

We give thanks for the resilience and courage of West Cumbrians
And pray that the bonds of community care and concern may hold fast at this time

Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer
And let our cry come unto you
Amen.