Preston to hold vigil for victims of Paris shootings

And organisers are urging all nationalities to turn out in force to show solidarity against terrorism.

Hundreds are expected to gather for the vigil which will begin on the city’s Flag Market at 5pm.

“We are asking people to come dressed in black and bring some candles,” said Julie Geoffroy, who was born in Paris, but has lived in Preston for 12 years.

“We are all numb after what happened on Friday night and we just want to show we are thinking about the people of France and praying for them.

“It has been a very difficult and worrying few days for us. Our families and friends are there and it isn’t easy being away from them at times like this.

“Personally I don’t know anyone who was a victim of the attacks on Friday. But it is still very painful for all of us.

“I met a lot of French students here on Saturday and, although we didn’t know each other, we were brought very close by this. We want to be together at this terrible time and we felt that a candlelit vigil was the best way of doing that.”