Ipswich mayor sends condolences to Arras following fatal stabbing of teacher

The Mayor of Ipswich has sent a letter of condolence to her counterpart in Arras - after a stabbing which led to the death of a schoolteacher.

Writing to the mayor of the northern French town - which is twinned with Ipswich - Councillor Lynne Mortimer said her thoughts are with "the families and loved ones of those affected."

57 year old Dominique Bernard was killed last Friday in a knife attack believed to involve a former pupil.

The full letter

'Dear Mr Leturque, Mayor of Arras,

In the wake of the terrible tragedy Arras has witnessed (13 October 2023), the people of Ipswich send their sincere condolences to all the people of Arras and especially to the families and loved ones of those affected.

Our thoughts are also with the school students who have lost a respected teacher and with staff who have lost a colleague and friend.

We send our best wishes for a full recovery to those injured in the attack and to those involved in their care.

We hope that the knowledge that your friends in Ipswich are thinking of you helps you in dealing with this tragic event.

Yours sincerely,

Councillor Lynne Mortimer

Mayor of Ipswich'

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