Brussels attacks: London landmarks light up with the colours of the Belgian flag to commemorate Brussels victims
Landmarks throughout London – including the London Eye – are being lit up with the colours of the Belgian flag tonight as the capital commemorates the victims of yesterday's attacks in Brussels.
The National Gallery has had two Belgian flags projected onto the frontage of the building. One onlooker tweeted a picture of the tribute at Trafalgar Square:
#London pays tribute #belgium #brussels #trafalgarsquare #lovelondon pic.twitter.com/UwpPz0Cd4n
— Kieran Brown #FRSA 🏴🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@Kierbro) March 23, 2016
Another Twitter user posted pictures of the National Theatre lit up with the Belgian colours:
London in solidarity with #Brussels #NT pic.twitter.com/vXkI7qKAim
— Richard Attewell (@RichardAttewell) March 23, 2016
And one tweeted a photo of Tower Bridge illuminated in black, yellow and red:
#TowerBridge lit up in black, yellow and red tonight, colours of the Belgian flag #London pic.twitter.com/2etiwA894T
— Oliver Smith (@OliSmithTravel) March 23, 2016
Tomorrow afternoon, a 25 metre silk flag will be placed on the central staircase in Trafalgar Square ahead of a vigil organised in partnership with the Belgian Embassy between 6pm and 10pm. There will be an opportunity to leave flowers and candles.
Earlier today, offices and public spaces up and down the UK marked a minute's silence in respect of the victims from yesterday's twin attacks, which stand at more than 30.
Belgium is observing a period of national mourning over three days.
London mayor Boris Johnson, said: “The scenes in Belgium were truly appalling and it is important we pay tribute to the victims, as well as show our solidarity with the people of Brussels. They have the sympathy of every Londoner and our thoughts will be with them as they do their best to recover from this despicable atrocity.”
Jennette Arnold, chair of the London Assembly, added: "We must send a clear signal that atrocities like the events in Brussels yesterday will be not be tolerated.
"When London lights up its landmarks, we are condemning terror and mindless acts of violence and standing side by side with Belgians in their tragic hour. We share their grief and we send London’s love to a neighbouring city, that will recover with time. The awful actions of a few bring us closer together and stronger than we were before.”