Sea Mills: Hundreds gather at vigil for three children
The community laid flowers, toys and candles in memory of the three who lost their lives
Hundreds of people gathered at Sea Mills Square on Friday evening (23rd February) in memory of the three children who died in their home.
The children, Fares, Joury and Mohammed, aged seven, three and nine months, died from knife injuries.
A 42-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in hospital.
At the vigil, a young boy and friend of Fares, spoke in his memory.
“We used to play together and all of a sudden, they’re not with us anymore and it’s really sad,” he said, before thanking the large crowd for showing support.
JoJo Cowley, who organised the vigil, followed the boy’s speech with his own words: “I’d like to thank all of you who have attended this evening.
“I know what a hard week it’s been for the community and a complete shock.
“Tonight we have come together to remember and pay our respects to the three children who have sadly lost their lives last Sunday.”
Soft toys, spidermen figurines, handwritten notes, children’s drawings and footballs were scattered amongst daffodils.
Prayers and notes were lit up by candle light.
One note read: “For three angels, fly high and free.”
Another, written on a football said: “Rest easy buddy, I hope you’re playing football like we did.”
“I just wanted people to come together,” JoJo said, “Sea Mills has a great community – I wanted there to be a place people can pay their respect.
“The response has been amazing. I only expected one hundred people, but we’ve had five, six hundred people come.”
Earlier that day, Chief Inspector Vicks Hayward-Melen, paid tribute to the children,
“The loss of such young children, who had their whole lives ahead of them, is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts remain with their family and everyone affected by this tragedy.
“Out of the intense sadness we’ve seen the community come together in grief and this is evidenced by the large amount of floral tributes and messages brought to the cordons, which officers from our Neighbourhood Policing team have been placing outside the door.
“We’ll provide any further updates when we’re able to."