Incidents like this are very rare says police boss
Welwyn Road tragedy: Vigil of light and special prayers held at
POLICE and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach has praised the work of Leicestershire Police following the incident in Welwyn Road.
He said: “In the last week we have witnessed a series of unlinked serious incidents.
“Thankfully weeks such as this are rare, but nonetheless, remind us all of the tough expectations we place on the police. In tough times, policing relies on the courage, dedication and professionalism of its people to strengthen its resolve.
“The shocking, and tragic, series of events of the past few days have placed extraordinary demand on our services, strained our resources and tested our response strategies but the exceptional commitment of Leicestershire Police’s officers, staff and volunteers has shone out amid the challenges.
“The true test of any organisation’s strength or fortitude is when the going gets tough and this week the going got tough.
“The pressures of multiple, resource-intensive, complex policing investigations, understandably take their toll physically and emotionally on our workforce and I have personally thanked the force for its commitment to duty.
“The impact of events in Hinckley and the city is bound to have an effect on our communities and I’m pleased to see officers and staff in public-facing roles delivering honest messages of reassurance, comfort and safety following these terrible incidents.
“Policing is a difficult, all-consuming job and nowhere has this been more apparent than this week. However, the force has risen to the occasion and continued to work at its professional best regardless of the weight of the task. This is something for which I and the public of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can be grateful.
“Policing attracts its fair share of criticism but, when it is called upon in critical, emergency situations, there is no stronger or more formidable body. We are privileged to have a constant protective service such as this and I for one fully appreciate the risks officers face every day to keep us all safe.
“The tenacity and drive of our officers, staff and volunteers who investigate, support and protect in the aftermath of such incidents is both inspiring and reassuring.”
Councillor Ivan Ould, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for children and families, has expressed his condolences following the deaths in Hinckley.
“I’m extremely saddened by the events in Hinckley. To lose two young children is tragic and I’d like to send my condolences to all those who knew the boys.
“Supporting children is our focus. St Mary’s and their community are providing extensive help to pupils and we’ve offered ongoing support during this extremely difficult time.” DISTRAUGHT residents turned up in their masses to pay their respects to two young children whose lives were cut tragically short.
A vigil of light and prayers was held at St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Hinckley in memory of five-year-old Matthew Stokes and his brother Adam, 11, whose bodies were found at their family home in Welwyn Road on Wednesday.
More than 300 people turned up last Thursday to say farewell to the St Mary Primary School pupils
Candles were placed beneath a statue of Jesus, children tied coloured ribbons to metal chains and people wrote heartfelt messages in a book of condolence which will be passed on to the family.
One woman prayed in silence in the corner of the church before wiping a solitary tear from her cheek.
Father Frank Daly, of St Peter’s Church, opened the vigil by saying: “What we have come here for today is summed up in two words: silence and solidarity.
“This evening is a perfect opportunity to come together quietly and share in the comfort and friendship of each other.
“Let us remember the lives of Matthew and Adam Stokes and their father, David.”
The audience put their hands together for a moving group prayer about God’s eternal love and the importance of forgiveness.
Reverend John Whittaker, vicar of St Mary’s Church, led the vigil and said: “The whole community has been saddened and shocked by the deaths of the two children and the father.
“We don’t do this sort of thing very often, which is good. But this sort of service is designed to face those feelings of pain and sadness in this holy place.
“Over the last two days we have been staggered at the sheer quality of care and friendship shown in the community - yesterday with the emergency services and today at St Mary’s school.
“Headteachers from across Hinckley took the time to visit our school today and did their part to care for the children.
“That’s what community is all about and what love is all about. Thank you to everyone for their support.”
A dad and his two young children each laid a candle at the foot of the Jesus statue before holding hands to say a prayer.
Dad David Wilson, 42, from Hinckley, said: “The whole community has been shaken by the utterly terrible news of what happened.
“We just had to come here today and send our love to the two innocent children.
“I couldn’t bare to think