Town marks 20 years since bombing (From Andover Advertiser)
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Town marks 20 years since bombing
5:21am Saturday 16th March 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013
The site outside a Boots store in Warrington where an IRA bomb exploded 20 years ago, killing two young boys
A town will observe a minute silence today before the 20th anniversary of an IRA bomb attack which killed two young boys.
The Warrington bombing, on March 20 1993, tore through the Cheshire town's shopping centre and instantly killed three-year-old Johnathan Ball. Tim Parry, 12, became the second victim when he died of his injuries five days later.
A further 56 people were injured by the two bombs which were placed in litter bins in Bridge Street and exploded shortly after midday that Saturday afternoon. No warning was given and nobody has ever been prosecuted for the outrage which took place the day before Mothering Sunday.
A commemorative event will take place on Saturday before Wednesday's anniversary.
Relatives of the victims will join survivors, civic leaders and other members of the local community in Bridge Street where the minute silence will be observed.
There will also be speeches by Tim's father, Colin Parry, community leaders and Mike Penning MP, Minister of State for Northern Ireland.
A further minute silence will take place exactly 20 years after the bombing at 12.27pm on Wednesday.
Mike Hannon, deputy leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: "There are commemorative events taking place on Saturday and we hope residents can join us on Bridge Street. However, Wednesday will be the actual anniversary and we believe it is important to reach out to the whole borough and beyond and to take time out of our busy lives on this important day to observe a minute silence and remember, reflect and support each other."
In the aftermath of the atrocity there was a wave of public outcry in the UK and in Dublin where a book of condolence was opened at the General Post Office.
Tim's parents Colin and Wendy set up the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace which has since become an internationally recognised centre for conflict resolution and victim support.
