Warrington falls silent to remember 25th anniversary of bombings

A special ceremony was held in the town centre to remember the two children who died in the bombings on 20th March 1993.

Johnathan Ball and Tim Parry
Author: Amy ScarisbrickPublished 20th Mar 2018
Last updated 20th Mar 2018

Warrington fell silent this lunchtime to remember two children who died when two IRA bombs went off in the town centre exactly 25 years ago today.

12-year old Tim Parry and three-year old Johnathan Ball were killed and 56 others were injured when the bombs planted in bins exploded on Bridge Street.

A special ceremony was held on Bridge Street today and wreathes will be laid by both boys' families in the spot where it happened.

Princess Anne, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram attended today's commemorations.

A minute's silence was held at 12.27pm to mark the exact moment the second bomb went off before a choir will sing "Imagine."

12-year old Tim had gone into the town centre to buy a Mother's Day card and a pair of Everton football shirts when the explosions happened.

The Tim Parry and Johnathan Ball Peace Centre was opened in the town centre by Tim's mum and dad following their deaths.

Tim's dad Colin Parry tells us how he's been dealing with his son's death since 1993:

Colin and Wendy Parry in 1993.

It helps teach youngsters the importance of peace and most recently has helped more than 700 people who were caught up in the Manchester Arena attack in May 2017.

Those who helped in the moments after the bomb went off have also been sharing their experiences with us: