Grieving father recalls ‘screaming’

Sri Lanka’s top diplomat in Britain says authorities know of eight British nationals killed in the bombings.

Londoner Matthew Linsey confirmed his 15-year-old daughter Amelie and 19-yearold son Daniel died on the final day of their holiday while in the Shangri-la Hotel in Colombo.

They apparently survived the first explosion, but were killed by a second.

Mr Linsey described the event, saying: “People were screaming. I was with my children. I couldn’t tell whether they were all right, it was dark. I was worried there would be another blast. We ran out – another blast.” He added: “Amelie was really fun. She was smart, beautiful, very loving, very caring, understanding. She cared about her family and her friends. And the same with Danny.”

Among the other Britons killed were former firefighter Bill Harrop and doctor Sally Bradley, a British couple who had lived in the Australian city of Perth since 2013.

The couple had been due to return to the UK where they had bought a retirement home in the Cotswolds.

Dr Bradley’s brother, former Labour MP Lord Keith Bradley, said: “She was truly a bright light in many people’s lives. The light may have been cruelly distinguished for no reason or justification, but she will always live in our hearts and the memories she provided will be forever cherished.”