Half-mast flag at council HQ for Brussels terror victims

A MINUTE’S silence was held today to remember the people killed in yesterday’s terrorist attacks in Brussels.

Council staff from all council premises, including the Town Hall and Riverside House, observed the minute’s silence at 11am.

The flag outside the council HQ on Main Street is also being flown at half-mast as a sign of solidarity with Belgium in taking a stand against terrorism, an RMBC spokeswoman said.

At least 31 people died in the two bomb attacks at Brussels airport and one at Maelbeek metro station, but the total death toll remains unconfirmed.

Around 250 are believed to have been wounded by the explosions.

The so-called Islamic State (IS) has said it was behind the attack.

Leader of the council, councillor Chris Read, will also be sending a letter of support to the Mayor of Brussels later today, alongside the Mayor of Rotherham, councillor Maggi Clark.

Cllr Read said: “We have all, I am sure, been shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks in the Belgium city of Brussels yesterday morning, which has caused devastation to many families and people. 

“As a sign of our condolences to those who have lost loved ones and for those who are still injured, and in a sign of solidarity against these type of atrocities, we will be raising the flag to half-mast outside Riverside House and the Town Hall.”