HUNDREDS of people gathered in Victoria Square this morning to stand in silence and solidarity with the people of France in the wake of the devastating terror attack.

As the Town Hall clock struck 11am Bolton fell silent for several minutes as people of all ages showed their support for France and the victims of the attack on Friday.

At least 129 were killed and hundreds injured when terrorists, reportedly part of Islamic State, targeted a concert hall, football stadium, cafes and restuarants in Paris on Friday night.

The town joined with others across Europe to show support for those affected by the attack with dozens of other events already taking place over the weekend.

 

Bolton Mayor councillor Carole Swarbrick said: "The turnout is wonderful. Bolton people take this kind of thing very seriously and we've just had Remembrance Sunday and turnout was the same.

"People have been very shocked by what happened and Bolton people want to show their solidarity. It was very moving and I'm just overwhelmed by the turnout and Bolton's response.

"People around Bolton have been holding impromptu events for days and it's lovely when communities come together and it's all been organised very quickly."

Elaine Evans, 62, of Astley Bridge said: "It's all very important that we stick together and support France. It's just terrible what happened."

Bolton resident Dot Walker said: "We want to show respect, we feel so sorry for France but it's reassuring, very much so, to see people turnout like this."

Her husband Roy added: "It's what you would expect from this country."