PEOPLE across the North-East joined others throughout Europe in falling silent in solidarity with those in Paris to remember the victims of Friday's devastating terror attacks.
With France observing a third day of national mourning, President Francois Hollande led the country in a minute's silence at noon, 11am in the UK, in memory of the 129 people who were killed in the massacres.
As Mr Hollande bowed his head at the Paris-Sorbonne University, crowds gathered in London's Trafalgar Square - where on Saturday hundreds joined a series of vigils to mourn those who died.
Similar scenes took place at King's Cross railway station and St Pancras, the hub for Eurostar trains bound for Paris.
A touching embrace at Newcastle International Airport, as airport staff and passengers observe the Europe-wide minute silence. Picture: Raoul Dixon/North News & Pictures
In Durham, County Durham Fire and Rescue Service officials and staff observed the silence.
A one minute silence saw scores of people leaving their desks to stand in reflection at both Jarrow and South Shields Town Halls where both the Union Jack and the Tricolour were flown at half mast.
The Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Richard Porthouse, said: “Our thoughts are with the people of France at this tragic time and we felt it important to stand in solidarity with them.
“An attack on the citizens of any country in Europe is an attack on us all, and indeed, is an outrage against humanity.”
He added: “The town of Jarrow this year celebrated 50 years of town twinning with Epinay-sur Seine in the northern suburbs of Paris and Hebburn is also twinned with Noisy-le-Sec. Our close links with the French capital mean that the tragic events of the weekend will be felt particularly strongly by the residents of the Borough.
“I will be writing to both our twin towns to express our sorrow and solidarity with the French people.”
Penshaw Monument is bathed in blue, white and red lighting in tribute to the victims of the Paris terror attacks
Muslims at Birmingham's Central Mosque joined the minute's silence in defiance at the appropriation of Islam for terror, and Francophiles at the Alliance Francaise de Cambridge paused to acknowledge those lost and injured in the the horrors of Friday night.
England's football team, who are playing France in a friendly at Wembley, tomorrow night, paused during training at their base in Enfield, north London, and flags at Wembley and the St George's Park training centre in Burton-on-Trent are at half-mast.
The silence was observed across the European Union.
The silence was observed impeccably across Europe - and at the Place de la Republique, a historic square a few roads from the Bataclan concert hall where 89 were killed, applause rang out after the minute of quiet contemplation as Parisians showed their defiance to the terrorists.
The Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Richard Porthouse and his wife Patricia, are pictured with the Leader, Cllr Iain Malcolm and Chief Executive Martin Swales, with South Shields Town Hall staff.
Similar scenes took place at Notre Dame and across Paris, while the silence was observed by Prime Minister David Cameron, German chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders at the G20 summit in Turkey.
In the UK judges halted proceedings at crown courts in Cardiff and London, while at Liverpool town hall the French national anthem was played after the minute of reflection.
National Rail asked passengers and staff to join in the silence, with those aboard a Virgin service from York to King's Cross pausing to show their respects.
St Pancras International ground to a halt as hundreds of travellers put a momentary stop to their journeys, a long queue of people waiting to take the Eurostar to France falling motionless.
Among them was Mark Evans, 36, who works in telecommunications and regularly travels to Paris.
He said: "Nothing has changed at all in terms of my feelings of personal safety. I have been to Paris many times before and Friday's events have not changed my mind about going."
Staff and commuters at Newcastle Central Station pay their respects. Picture: Lewis Denison/North News & Pictures
Stockton Borough Council flew its flags at its Municipal Buildings and Town Hall at half-mast while the town centre lighting along the iconic Riverside will be turned red, white and blue tonight and tomorrow.
Mayor of Stockton, Ian Dalgarno, said: “Our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with everyone affected by these atrocities.
"In memory of all those who lost their lives, we will be lighting the Riverside in the colours of the Tricolore flag and a book of condolence will be available in Stockton Central Library for those who wish to leave messages of support.”
The book of condolence is located in the entrance of Stockton Central Library and Customer Service Centre.
- Did you observe the silence? Send your photos to newsdesk@nne.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel